Top 40 Business Apps and Services

42 High-Tech Lifesavers

Technology disasters happen. Spare yourself the trauma with these essential apps, gadgets, and online services for business owners.

By Scott Steinberg |  @GadgetExpert | Feb 14, 2012

Of all the problems that plague small business owners, technology issues can be among the most embarrassing: Smartphones that suddenly die in the middle of pitches, unexpected software crashes, incompatible PowerPoint presentations—every entrepreneur has been there.

But with a little help from leading apps, gadgets, and online services, there’s really no excuse for getting caught unprepared again. Buy or download the following tools, and you’ll always be prepared for the worst:

Battery Life and Backup – Popular as Apple’s iPhone 4 and 4S have become with business owners, each has a dirty secret. Battery life tops out between 4-6 hours of talk time and Internet, so consider packing charge-extending cases like mophie’s Juice Pack Plus and MiLi’s Power Spring 4/4S when attending tradeshows and events. Alternately, recharging solutions that serve myriad mobile devices such as the ZAGGsparq 2.0 or Motorola 89442N P793 Portable Power Pod can also provide instant power. Manufacturers are also starting to introduce new smartphones like the Droid Razr Maxx that offer 20+ hours of talk time. Buy one, and you can skip the additional juice-extending accessories.

Document Printing, Scanning and Signatures – Want to print contracts or invoices straight from your iPad, or your Apple or Android handset? Downloadable apps PrintCentral Pro and Print n Share Pro let you send document, email or shipping label reproduction requests directly to WiFi printers or office networks via wireless or 3G connections. If a quick signature is all that’s needed, document signing and sharing apps like Sign It!, EasySign, and YouSendIt can let you ink the deal right from the palm of your hand. Portable solutions such as Scanner Pro, Genius Scan, andCamScanner, which transform your phone or tablet into a mobile scanner, may also prove handy upgrades.

File Storage, Sharing and Archival – With Dropbox, Box, Amazon Cloud Driveand SkyDrive, many of which offer downloadable apps for access via Web or mobile device, there’s no excuse for accidentally leaving crucial reports behind. Should you need to access your Mac or PC desktop while traveling, try TeamViewer, SplashTop Remote, JumpDesktop, Remote Desktop Client, or Wyse PocketCloud. Likewise, services like SlideShare, SlideShark and MightyMeeting let you upload PowerPoint presentations, slideshows, and videos online for on-demand viewing via laptops and tablets.

Keep reading the rest of this article at INC.com after the break!