Cloud-based software applications take care of common business needs
In many cases, individuals and companies can take advantage of free or inexpensive cloud-based software applications to solve their business problems. Instead of using Microsoft Office, they can use Google Docs, for example. Task management using Nozbe is a breeze and provides a solution that runs on smartphones and tablets as well as in the browser.
Web applications tend to use either an advertising based or freemium revenue model, so they’re inexpensive to get started with and in some cases (Google, eg) free for ever. Some web based software is not inexpensive when used at higher levels, but continues to provide the advantage that it is updated right on the server with no work involved on the client side, unlike traditional desktop software.
Here are some applications that I use everyday. I will be writing more about some of these in posts, and will be adding new ones all the time, so keep an eye on this page.
I have affiliate arrangements with Freshbooks and Nozbe, so if you decide you’d like to purchase them, you’ll be helping me out at no cost to you. Many thanks!
Instapaper - Cloud-based software application that lets you clip any content from any web page, and store it to be read in a device-friendly format on any mobile device you can think of. If you’re reading a blog post or other web page and you want to save it for later and be able to read it wherever you’re going to be, Instapaper is what you need. Runs as a bookmarklet in your browser, and as an app on the iPhone or iPad. Read in the browser or on a Kindle, too. “Don’t leave home without it.” The business case is your need to read things from the web, and the desire to have them conveniently accessible on a mobile device so you can catch up when you’re commuting, waiting for an appointment, or over coffee or lunch.
Evernote - Evernote has developed from a notekeeping application to a kind of digital brain. You can save anything in Evernote: blog posts, notes, pictures, voice notes, links, etc.
Nozbe - Flexible, convenient task management. Capable of running pretty classic GTD methodology or any variation you want to use. Recently they’ve been on a campaign to integrate Nozbe with other cloud-based services like Evernote. You can now have tags in Evernote that allow you to pull notes right into your Nozbe client!
Shareaholic - Creates an easy one keystroke or two-click way to share any webpage almost anywhere: all social media sites, email, evernote, delicious. Given the importance of social filtration and curation, Shareaholic is a must-have browser extension.
Google Docs – Google has been improving Docs with a view to eventually knocking Microsoft Office off its throne. Way more than a minimal set of applications, Docs has an excellent wordprocessor, spreadsheet and presentation creator. You can store any file either in its native format or by converting it to a Google Docs one. Great sharing, co-editing facilities.
Freshbooks - Cloud-based software application for time keeping and invoicing. Perfect for freelancers to keep track of billable time and manage their invoices. The free version handles up to three clients.
