7 Apps That Will Turn Your Smartphone into a Mobile Workstation

The nature of the business environment has changed quite a bit in the last decade or so. Ever since broadband has become more available to the public at very reasonable prices, it started to impact the way we handle business tasks, and it opened a lot of new opportunities for the little guys, in other words, SMBs and start-ups. In the past, you knew when each market opened and when it closed. Officially, these rules still apply, but in the world of fast online communication, being present at the exactly right time becomes an imperative.

This is why every serious businessman or woman has a smartphone in his/her pocket. The flexibility these devices offer make them indispensable tools, and being that they don’t come with set functionality, but you get to arrange them the way you see fit really means a lot. We have composed a small list of apps that can help you with your work.

DropBox (iOS, Android)

The amount of data that an average person considers essential is getting bigger every day. Transferring this into the business environment, the database becomes monstrously big. Cloud storage allows us to cross this barrier, and DropBox still stands as the best option around. As their slogan says “Your stuff, anywhere”. One of the biggest advantages of saving your data on DropBox is that it is universally accessible, so you can always access the files you uploaded from your phone via your laptop, and vice versa.

Prezi (iOS, Android)

While most people assume that the Web environment has eliminated the need for face-to-face business meetings, they are very wrong. The value of a good old presentation is still enormous when you are doing serious corporate work, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t put a modern twist on it. Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that allows you incredible options for creating eye-catching presentations which you can review, and show directly from your phone; and it universally syncs with all your devices.

Evernote (iOS, Android)

In a jumble of obligations we are faced with each day, it can be hard not to overlook something, especially when you are dragged from one task to another. A lot of small, and possibly not so small things may slip your mind and cause you a lot of problems later. Furthermore, you never know when a good idea is going to strike you. Evernote is an easy to use virtual notepad which keeps your thoughts in one place, and present across all devices. You can also use it to turn your notes in a quick, screen friendly presentation if you wish to share your thoughts.

XNSpy (iOS, Android)

Ok, smartphones and tablets, if used properly can boost your productivity significantly but these devices can make it plummet as well. Video games, constant chatting or simply surfing large chunks of your workday away. This is where XNSpy comes in handy. It is a sophisticated piece of software designed to monitor mobile activity. If you want to make sure that your employees are not wasting their time and doing the work they are paid for this is your best bet.

Skype (iOS, Android)

Most people are familiar with Skype on their desktops and laptops, but this communication software works on TVs, gaming consoles, and yes, mobile phones. The advantages of using Skype app are quite obvious. Low call costs, and the ability to monitor the total costs allows for a better budget management and greater availability. Furthermore, your customers and business partners that use Skype can contact you directly, without having to pay insane call charges for long-distance or international calls.

Buffer (iOS, Android)

These days, if you are not present on social networks, it is as if you don’t exist, and considering the fast paced way business is conducted today, you need to be online 24/7. Missing a contact can mean a lost lead, and this is never a good thing. Everyone is attempting to unify their social media obligations, and Buffer app is a perfect way to do it. They offer a considerable amount of options implemented in a very straightforward environment. They cover Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ and App.net.

Uber (iOS, Android)

Getting a cab on time can be an issue in urban areas, and getting fast from one point to another can be crucial in some situations. Uber is a pickup service that functions completely through a mobile app. You use it to hail for a pickup, evaluate pricing and pay for your ride. There is even an option to split the fare with a friend! Uber is available in 55 locations around the world, and it is still expanding. You can even choose between 5 different vehicle types to match the situation. Whether you need a cheap and fast ride, or a luxury ride, Uber has got your back, and all that through a couple of screen taps.

Smartphones have turned into digital Swiss Army knives for businessmen. We chose these apps because of their universality, but niche specific apps also exist. If you are having a persistent problem, chances are that someone thought about that already and solved it with an app for you. We hope these help you out, and may your phone never run out of battery when you need it!