Road Warrior: The Top Five IPhone Apps for Traveling Entrepreneurs

Running a business while on the road is a tricky task. Reports need to be reviewed, client communications are a top priority, and staff may require consultations on projects. The rise of smartphone technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected. These five iPhone apps will help tech savvy entrepreneurs to run a business from wherever travel may take them.

Dropbox Keeps Important Files Within Reach

Dropbox is a free file-sharing service that allows users to create and share folders. Dropbox has plans for individuals and businesses, offering encrypted sharing and automatic synchronization. This means that files and folders are always up-to-date whenever an Internet connection is present. The mobile app allows users to create and access password-protected documents, and enables sharing across platforms; a folder created on an iPhone can be viewed from an iPad or computer, and vice versa. The free Dropbox app is available in the Apple App Store, while Blackberry and Android versions are available for non-iPhone users.

Skype Makes Videoconferencing Easy

Need a face-to-face with the team? Skype for iPhone offers free video calling and instant messaging over a 3G or WiFi network, including anti-shake technology to ensure a smooth videoconference even while in motion. The app permits users to send text messages and make traditional phone calls to landlines and mobile phones for a small fee. Business owners can even make video calls to laptop or tablet-based users. Perhaps most importantly, Skype enables conference calling for when multiple parties need to connect. This free app, offered by the world's most popular videoconferencing software provider, is a powerful communications tool and a reasonably priced alternative to long distance calling plans.

LogMeIn Ignition Gives Users Remote Desktop Access

It's the traveling entrepreneur's worst nightmare: check into the hotel, get the laptop fired up, and realize - too late - that the vital document that needs to be finished immediately is sitting in a folder on the desktop computer back at the office. Beat the stress and panic with LogMeIn Ignition, a remote access program that links the user's iPhone to an unlimited number of previously specified computers. The app allows the user to access a linked computer from the iPhone interface, copy files from PC to iPhone, and print to AirPrint-enabled printers. A one-time fee of $129.99 allows access to the mobile app, as well as an unlimited number of LogMeIn programs for installation on remote computers.

Documents To Go Premium For Creating Files On The Fly

Documents To Go Premium offers an iPhone-friendly office productivity suite. The app allows users to create, view, and edit Microsoft Office files via iPhone. Documents To Go Premium allows document sharing via email, Dropbox, and Google Docs, along with free desktop software to enable synchronization across platforms. The app contains several task-specific programs, including Word To Go (for word processing tasks), Sheet To Go (for spreadsheets), Slideshow To Go (for presentations), and an email client for easy sharing. This app, priced at $16.99, puts all the features of a desktop-sized office productivity suite in the palm of the user's hand.

TimeWerks Keeps You On Track

TimeWerks is a mobile billing and time-tracking application, allowing users to keep track of multiple projects and accounts, create and send invoices without the use of a computer, and keep track of time spent on tasks with a built-in stopwatch. The app supports multiple currencies and contains a sales tax calculator, making billing an easy task. Data can be backed up and restored with the touch of a button. A credit card terminal (sold separately) turns the phone into a digital payment processor. Rates can be customized to include various discounts or extra fees. Priced at $3.99, this little app packs a strong punch. Running a business is no small endeavor. Part of building a business involves going on the road to attend conferences, meet clients, or scout potential office locations. With these five apps, the tech-savvy entrepreneur can keep the business growing, from anywhere in the world.