Photo credit: Ciprian Dumitrescu

1. Miranda IM: Open-source multi protocol instant messenger for Windows lets you access almost any instant messenger service
2. Grouptivity: Email-based collaboration tool lets groups of people communicate better via email
3. Fring: Mobile application enables you to make free calls with VoIP and send IM to other users at no extra cost
4. VixoSocial networking service for mobile phones lets you share information with people via SMS

1. Miranda IM
   
   
   
   Miranda IM is an open-source multi protocol instant messenger that supports ICQ, AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, IRC, Jabber and more. This easy to use tool uses very little memory, requires no installation and can easily be carried around on a single floppy disk.
   
   http://www.miranda-im.org/





2. Grouptivity
   
   Grouptivity is a tool that allows you to dynamically collect, communicate and collaborate with others within your emailbox by creating "groupMails". Grouptivity allows you to collect specific information by adding questions to your email and lets everyone in the groupMail participate by posting comments, sending private messages, and chatting. This tool is free, but you can pay $4 a month to access the site without advertising. The free service limits your amount of email uploads to 250 email addresses and only allows 1 attachment for each groupMail (not bigger than 1MB). Free sign up.
   http://www.grouptivity.com/





3. Fring
   
   Fring is a 3G mobile application that allows you to make free mobile calls and send instant messages to other Fring users and PC based VoIP services (such as Skype and Google Talk) at no extra cost beyond your existing data plan. All you need to use Fring is a 3G handset optimized for 3G networks (check the supported devices). Fring can be downloaded into your handset via SMS received from another user or from Fring website. Free to use.
   http://www.fring.com/





4. Vixo
   
   Vixo is a service that lets you share information with people via SMS. When you trust someone about a topic, you will be able to exchange messages with that person. You will also be able to pass along the message to anyone who trusts you about that topic. You can use Vixo to organize anything from nights out to club events. You will only be charged the standard rate for sending messages; receiving them is free, and you will never get unsolicited messages. Free sign up.
   http://www.vixo.com/