I’m determined to abandon software by running my business with online tools and Web 2.0 applications, and it didn’t take long to find I’m not the only one experimenting with working 100% from the Web.
In no particular order, here are the top posts and articles I’ve found on the topic (so far):
Online Tools for Working Abroad
Danny hit the beach last month and is working 100% Web (including phone and mail). His goal is to move freely from beach to beach, access everything from Internet cafes, and have insurance in case his laptop disappears. This list includes detailed explanations and screenshots for each Web application.
Tools For The Mobile Office
This is a relatively short list of online business tools, but it’s worth listing because Brick compares his favorites to what Danny (above) and Computerworld’s Mike Elgan are using. They are unanimous on some (photo storage and snail mail) and totally disagree on others (data storage, meetings, personal finance, and to do lists). Food for thought…
More Tools For A LIP (Location Independent Professional) Business
Lea offers a concise list of the web applications she uses for business operations while she and her husband travel around the world. As you read, be sure to note which Web apps she’s phasing out and why.
Online Business Toolbox: 230+ Tools for Running a Business Online
Whoa! Cameron compiled an alarmingly comprehensive list of web applications suitable for running a small to medium-sized business. Everything from Accounting to Virtual Office is listed here, including “industry-specific” options for real estate and retail management. FYI: I counted 237
The Freelancer’s Toolset: 100 Web Apps for Everything You Will Possibly Need
Yoav collected a hecto-list of web applications that has few in common with Cameron’s 230+ (above). He appear to have a looser definition of “web application”—Web services like Moo are included—but it’s still a wide and wonderful list of what the Web offers to microbusinesses like ours. Be sure to read all the way to the end, commenters contributed some useful links.
And an extra that’s only a little off topic:
Putting Together A Portable Office That You Can Take With You Anywhere You Go
Another from Lea—this is her tried and true list of bits and pieces you’ll need for a fully-functioning on-the-go office, whether you’re using software or web applications.
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