Remote teams (fully distributed or hybrid) have software needs that overlap with co-located teams but with heightened attention to async + documentation. The remote-optimized stack adds: async video (Loom, Vimeo Record, Tella, Descript Recorder), virtual whiteboard (Miro, Mural, FigJam), team handbook + documentation (Notion, Confluence, GitBook), and time zone coordination (Spacetime, World Time Buddy, Around). For globally distributed teams add: international payroll (Deel, Remote.com, Velocity Global, Multiplier, Oyster, handles contractor + employee in 100+ countries), compliance (each country has different employment law), and equity (Pulley, Carta for cap table + ESOP, Mexico/India/EU need specific guidance).
The 2024-2026 reality: remote work has stabilized; the tooling battle is over. The real challenge is culture + trust + async discipline, not picking the right Slack alternative.