Last week, I wrote about the necessary steps that go into creating a mobile office. The post received a few great comments about software and tools that mobile workers use in order to maximize their office-on-the-road, so I decided to focus this post on some of the tools that are available for professionals who want to be able to run their businesses from absolutely anywhere.
Encryption
Folder Lock: Folder Lock provides 256-bit AES on-the-fly encryption on any kind of files and folders on all versions of Windows, as well as data on USB drives.
SecuBox: SecuBox is a powerful and convenient on-the-fly disk encryption solution for Windows Mobile PDAs and Smartphones, providing 256-bit AES encryption.
Truecrypt: A free open-source disk encryption software for Windows Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux that provides real-time, on-the-fly, automatic encryption.
Online Data Backup
Box.net: Box.net offers file backup with online file sharing and collaboration, mobile access and version history. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux.
Dropbox: An online backup option for Windows, Mac OS and Linux that offers automatic backup, file sync, and the ability to track changes.
Mozy: This Windows and Mac compatible service offers automatic, secure backup.
SugarSync: An online backup service that offers secure and automated backup and sync for Windows or Mac OS machines, mobile access and file sharing.
Productivity
Productivity is a very broad topic with hundreds of fitting and high-quality tools. For this list, I focused on online task management and note-taking options.
Evernote: An online note-taking tool that auto-syncs with a desktop application and offers mobile access.
Remember The Milk: Remember The Milk is a task management tool that allows you to create, manage and organize tasks online or on your mobile device.
Springnote: A wiki-based notebook that allows you to create pages that you can share and collaborate on.
Stixy: A free note-taking service that allows you to share notes and files.
Ta-da List: Ta-da List is a task tool from 37signals that lets you create multiple lists and add, edit, re-order, and remove tasks from each list.
Toodledo: Toodledo allows you to organize and prioritize your tasks in a sortable online to-do list.
UberNote: UberNote is a note-taking tool that allows you to share notes, add notes through e-mail, bookmark pages and access via your mobile phone.
For more online task tools, check out: “To-Do Lists: 12 Online Tools for Organizing Your Tasks” and be sure to read through the comments for some more great suggestions.
Remote Access
LogMeIn Pro: Provides seamless and total access to your home or office PC from any computer with an Internet connection.
GoToMyPC: GoToMyPC allows you to remotely access your computer from any Internet-connected computer.
Virtual Phone/Fax
eFax: A virtual fax service that provides an unique Internet fax number, allows you to receive and send faxes via e-mail, and stores your faxes online.
eVoice: An online call management and messaging service that offers toll free or local phone numbers, auto attendant, and call transfers.
OneBox: A virtual PBX service that forwards calls to any location and includes auto-attendant, voicemail, faxing, and conferencing.
RingCentral: A virtual PBX service that provides instant-on phone, fax and messaging services, with features including toll free numbers, dedicated fax lines and multiple extensions.
What tools do you use when you’re working away from your office that you would add to this list?
Image credit: Zaskoda
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
