I am constantly in search of iPhone applications that make my job easier. Especially if they involve enterprise functionality. Unfortunately, my research has revealed very little in terms of value despite there being over 100,000 apps on the App Store.
There is a big opportunity for Apple to build a corporate focused app store for those wanting enterprise level apps. Meanwhile, below is the best of what I’ve been able to find and use.
App #1 Mocha VNC for iPhone and iPod
The name stinks but the app doesn’t. Connect with your computer even if away from the office. Forget to bring home a file? No problem, just download or email it to your self from the iPhone.
APPLICATION DESCRIPTION
Mocha VNC provides access to a VNC Server. Using your iPhone, you can connect to a Windows PC or Mac OS X and see the files, programs, and resources exactly as you would if you were sitting at your desk, just on a smaller screen.
App #2 Skype for Iphone
Skype allows very inexpensive video conferencing and calls to landlines. A good app to connect with other business users. I use Skype frequently for chat and calling overseas.
Your boss or clients will be happy when you keep the cost down using Skype overseas. I use it as a WIFI phone when travelling outside of the US. Calls are at a fraction of the price then international rates.
App #3 Cisco WebEx Meeting Center
Using Cisco’s WebEx technology, businesses can share documents, make presentations, and collaborate with employees—or customers—around the world. Now iPhone 3G users can join in as well, thanks to Cisco’s free WebEx Meeting Center app. Follow a presentation remotely and on your phone. You no longer need to be at your desk.
One question I have is how does the audio work if you don’t have a landline handy?
App #4 Evernote
Evernote for iPhone lets you create notes, snap photos, and record voice memos that you can then access any time — from your iPhone, computer, or the web. EverNote works like your brain would- if its contents were exported to your iPhone. The ultimate micro content management system. This app comes in handy.
App #5 Yammer
Use the free Yammer iPhone application to stay connected wherever you are. View, post and reply to messages, and use the Directory as a mobile address book for your Network.
It answers one simple questions, “what are you working on?” This is Twitter for the Enterprise.
App #6 SalesForce.com
Thanks to streamlined navigation, you can quickly perform tasks or find what you need in Salesforce CRM right from your mobile device. From pop-up reminders to customizable layouts, Salesforce CRM makes it easy to do more on the go. I frequently use this app to check the sales and marketing team progress. I tend to look at dashboards, but occasionally I will dive into customer accounts.
App #7 Gist iPhone app
First, read this great write up on Gist on the iPhoneCTO web site.
Gist puts all the news, updates, and information about your contacts and their companies in your hand. Their latest iPhone app release is up and available for download on the iTunes App Store. New features include:
- Share articles via Twitter – share news, status updates, and other information Gist finds for you directly to Twitter.
- Set individual or company importance – adjust importance directly via the app (previously this had to be don via the web application).
- Filtered dashboard – filter by importance, article type, and entity type – create the view you want on the dashboard with improved filtering.
- Event detail map directions (via Google Maps App) – get detailed directions to your next meeting with tighter Google Maps integration.
App #8 iThoughts Mind Mapping
Need help connecting the dots? This smart little app can help you to build innovative ideas or extend existing ones. BTW: I found a good blog on mind maps by Clark Quinn. Worth a look.
iThoughts is a mind mapping tool for the iPod Touch or iPhone. It enables you to create, view, edit, upload and download mind maps in Freemind, MindManager, Novamind, XMind and OPML compatible file formats. It can be purchased from the Apple iTunes AppStore.
App #9 Oracle Business App Suite for iPhone
Oracle was the first company to deliver business class applications to iPhone. Now Oracle has 5 business intelligence apps on iPhone:
Note you’ll need an Oracle Enterprise license.
Business performance information
* Oracle Business Approvals for Managers
Access relevant business intelligence reports
* Oracle Mobile Sales Assistant
Access information your sales organization needs on a mobile device
* Oracle Business Approvals for Sales Managers
Access to relevant business intelligence reports
* Oracle Mobile Sales Forecast
Provides real-time visibility into individual’s or organization’s opportunity pipeline
App #10 EnCamp for Basecamp
Get projects done. On the Go.
Encamp is a native iPhone application for managing Basecamp projects. Wherever you go — you always stay connected with your projects and tasks.
Basecamp’s best companion
With Encamp you’re working right on your projects – no need to trigger synchronization. All changes are immediately reflected in your hub, clients receive your comments and responsible parties are notified on delegated tasks.
Finally…
I am sure I’ve missed a few. Do you have any suggested enterprise iPhone apps for us to check out? I am generally looking for highly rated apps that help business people make decisions and get work done.
I would add Rove Mobile Admin to this list (www.roveit.com). It allows IT administrators to monitor and manage their entire IT infrastructure from an iPhone.