Rands has it - IM, IM, IM.

While it did feel a bit odd at first, I've grown used to working with a bunch of remote folks. Once you get over the mental hurdle at the beginning, it's easy.

We are all on IM all the time (it is an official business policy) and generally make very good use of status messages (in a meeting, out to lunch, available, brainstorming, etc).

The best part is that we can have "hallway converstaions" at any time (and do) without having to wait for the chance bump.

We also do a lot of back and forth on specs just to be sure the idea that product marketing had is fully understood by the final developer.

B-)