Type Predominant mode Key distinctive features Typical app
Ongoing Team collaboration on projects 1 to 1, many to many or emergent Presence, and can escalate to audio / video / screensharing as needed Skype or Telegram
Meetings / conference calls Many to many Meeting notes (meeting agenda, and live collaborative note taking for decisions) Etherpad + phone call, or Jitsi Meet
Webinars / Scheduled Course 1 to many Presentation and whiteboard BigBlueButton
Community presence and support many to many web interface and desktop/mobile clients IRC or Matrix
Help desk for team members (Remote Assist) 1 to 1, but can be transferred Share screen and remote control. Easier to install software on their computer. Team member must give permission to take control of computer (ex: for 30 minutes) TeamViewer
Help desk for customers 1 to 1, but can be transferred To route request to someone who is available. Canned responses. Difficult to install software on their computer. Openfire Fastpath. See also WebMeet
Remote Management 1 to no one or 1 to 1 Remote login and management, even unattended VNC / Guacamole / RDP / MeshCentral has an .exe called 'assistant' that can be used to control computer without installing or running as admin.
Telepresence