Droid Apps Offer Boost for Small Businesses

The basic tool is free. For $24.99, you get all the Office functions you need on your Android phone.

OfficeSuite for Android: OfficeSuite for Android from San Diego-based MobiSystems is simpler and cheaper than DataViz's product at $9.99. This stripped-down viewer comes with some editing capabilities, though nothing like Documents to Go's. There's a fast viewer and helpful formatting for documents, and a nice "find" function. However, you pay less, and get less with this app.

Send2Printer: This cute app from independent developer Robert Chou lets you print directly from your Android phone. For $$2.99, you get a bit of software that lets you print from your phone to almost any printer using your USB connector. However, not all formats are supported and it can take some tinkering to connect properly. But Send2Printer shows just how handy the app market can be for a small business.

Bottom line: Android is the best thing to happen to small-business technology in the last 18 months. For stuffy, old Verizon to get behind this operating system is a big step. Mobile productivity apps are no longer limited to the iPhone set.

Keep in mind that security remains an issue, so check product vendors and user ratings to make sure your apps are reputable. You are downloading and installing software, some of which can be malicious.

-- Reported by Jonathan Blum in New York.

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