The Costco Connection

small business
Tablet
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Apps that turn your tablet into an effective business tool

By Andrew Don

SINCE THE IPAD hit the market in 2010, tablet computers have become an essential business tool for those on the go. Freelance writer and Connection contributor Andrew Don, a recent tablet convert, recommends some of his favorite business apps, most of which are free and available for Android-powered tablets and phones and Apple devices except where noted.

MEDIABAKERY

Powered Now is designed for field-based companies. It enables you to manage jobs from start to finish. Powered Now’s mobile database manages jobs, quotes, invoices and payments. Individual jobs, customer details, correspondence, notes, photographs, quotes, worksheets and invoices are stored and created in one place. The app enables you to send customizable invoices by text, email or hybrid mail, a service through which the app posts and prints invoices for you. (Available for iPad only.)

Ignition makes it possible for you to access your office machines remotely. It works with LogMeIn software on your office computers. This app is invaluable if you ever need access to any of your programs and data, and it enables you to troubleshoot other devices from your tablet. (You must pay for this app.)

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mPowa enables you to process credit- and debit-card transactions directly into your existing merchant account when you’re on the go. It features a dashboard that enables you to view and download transactions and manage your merchant account. You can also send receipts via email and by text, and the app’s creators sell a Bluetooth reader to swipe cards or to accept chip-and-PIN payments.

CloudOn provides you with a full version of Microsoft Office programs that operates like a virtual Windows environment. It features Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and it integrates with cloud storage services so you can access documents stored on Dropbox, Box or Google Drive.

Mint helps you keep track of your finances so you can see where you are spending and where you can save. Log details from your bank account, credit card and loans, and the app will help you achieve financial goals that you set.

Evernote is a cloud-based service that enables you to store notes, audio, photos and useful Web pages in subject-named “ notebooks.” It is superb for organizing your thoughts, ideas and research. It syncs across most mobile devices and computers, and it is searchable.

Remember the Milk is a great memory tool that helps you list, organize and pri-oritize your jobs and sync them with an online platform so that, wherever you are and whatever device you are using, you have your to-do list.

Dropbox allows you to access files you need when away from the office. Drag and drop or save a file to a folder that will be instantly available across all machines on which the service has been installed. You can set up shared folders that only you and chosen colleagues or clients can access. Because info on this app is stored in the cloud, you can have peace of mind about lost or damaged backup media.

Zoho CRM gives you access to Web-stored customer information and enables you to manage sales, marketing, customer support and inventory activities. You can view, create, edit and delete records, which will be automatically synced to the Web. Its search function provides both online and offline access and the ability to call contacts directly from within the app and log the calls.

To find out more and download the featured apps, visit the iTunes app store for iPads and iPhones, or Google Play for Android devices. C

The Costco Connection You’ll find a selection of smartphones and tablet computers at your local Costco warehouse and online at Costco.com.

“SPAM” marketing sent to clients who have not given permission to receive it is a constant and increasing irritation.

Enter the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection’s ( www.business.ftc.gov) CAN-SPAM Act, a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have a business stop emailing them and spells out tough penalties for violations.

The CAN-SPAM Act covers all commercial messages, which the law defines as “any electronic mail message the primary purpose of which is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service,” including email that promotes content on commercial websites. The law makes no exception for business-to-business email. That means all email—for example, a message to former customers announcing a new product line—must comply with the law.—AD