System and method for facilitating real-time collaborating by collapsing a queue for a slow client

A system and method for facilitating real-time collaboration. A real-time collaboration server comprises a number of communication modules for handling communications with individual clients. An organizer manages the collaboration and includes a control unit for each mode (e.g., desktop sharing, whiteboard, chat). Incoming communications are routed to the appropriate control unit by a filter. The control unit queues sets of collaboration data for distribution to clients through separate communication modules. When a client acknowledges one set of data sent to it, the next set can be sent. A roster control unit maintains a roster of clients, including their permissions and properties. A client's permissions may be verified when a communication is received from or is to be sent to the client.