Author here.

> One tool that the OP doesn't mention, but should be a > staple among companies of all sizes: Google Hangouts. You > can make a permanent hangout

It's interesting to see the potential evolution beyond just text chat for remote teams.

I've never used a permanent video Hangout (although Hangout's new group chat features might work well). I'm excited to try out sqwiggle.com - similar result, but it just takes a still picture of you every few seconds: same effect, less bandwidth/worries about leaking your music to your coworkers 1,000 miles away.