JWChat is a web-based instant messaging client for the XMPP protocol. It is free software and users can run their own instant messaging equivalent of webmail without limitations or software cost, complimenting the XMPP philosophy of a distributed network. JWChat is interpreted purely by the client webbrowser. The program itself is static content. Although it can connect with traditional instant messengers such as AOL Instant Messenger and ICQ, it runs solely in a browser and does not require downloading or installation of additional software.