When it comes to powerful and dynamic tools for businesses, often the right technology for the job can fit inside a pocket.

 Android has become one of the most popular mobile operating systems in the world due to advanced software, competitive manufacturers, and an app market that is filled with exciting and useful applications. With these smartphones running on a fast and reliable broadband connection, the world of business has all but gone completely mobile. Instead of wading through a pile of thousands of business apps, here are 10 that have found their way to the head of the pack.

Google Voice

Google Voice is one of the few apps that were created from the ground up by Google Labs. It is essentially an app styled after the very popular Skype program. Users can setup a unique business line, text message, make international calls at a reduced price, and also have access to a large voicemail server which will transcribe voice messages to emails.

Quick Office Pro

Android smartphones have been developed to be a mobile platform for all things business related. With Quick Office Pro, this means full access to Microsoft's Excel, Powerpoint, Word, and other Office products. It utilizes a broadband connection to access any cloud server, such as Google Docs, and has the ability to read, edit, and save files of all types.

CamCard

Business cards are on their way out as CamCard is on its way in. This app is a mobile rolodex with a twist. Users can take a snapshot of a business card and this program will recognize all the basic contact information and then integrate them into the phone's contacts.

My Backup Pro

With the sheer amount of vital information being placed on smartphones, My Backup Pro is a must. For a small monthly fee, the Android phone will sync with servers at regular intervals to save contact information, pictures, music, and other files. This app offers a seamless transition when phones are broken, lost, or stolen.

SwiftKey Keyboard

The one fall back of every smartphone is the uncomfortable keyboard. While sending out a few quick text messages is no problem, lengthy emails or Word files can become troublesome. SwiftKey Keyboard is a highly intuitive keyboard that learns the writing style of the user, accurately predicting text. Over time, the app will allow you to text flawlessly.

TripIt

For businessmen and women on the go, TripIt is a single stop for planning and organizing trips. With a useful widget, this program lays out times, dates, and locations for every facet of a trip from the flight to dinner reservations, always making sure your tasks are in line.

MightyMeeting

MightyMeeting is a companion app to Microsoft's Powerpoint. It allows users to upload, edit, and view Powerpoint presentations on a cloud server. During presentations, it turns a smartphone into a fully-functional remote for cycling through pages.

Document Scanner

This is the single stop program to turn any hard file into a digital copy. This app utilizes the smartphones camera to quickly turn a document into a fully-functional PDF file. These files can then be uploaded to a cloud server, saved on the phone, or emailed throughout the company.


AK Notepad

Every smartphone needs a to-do app, and AK Notepad is one of the best. In a very clean and basic interface it allows users to set to-do lists, create basic notes, set timers, and then forward all of this information through SMS messages or email.

mShare

mShare has just hit the app market, but it is quickly become a powerful and popular business tool. This program allows multiple subscribers to quickly share files of any type or size over a broadband or WiFi connection.

Note: Photo courtesy of andwat via FlickR Creative Commons.

Blake Sanders is a tech writer at broadband comparison site Broadband Expert. Blake specializes in writing on mobile broadband, wireless internet, and how to compare broadband deals across multiple providers.


See Also:

• Android Market
• http://www.android.com