Essential iPhone Apps for Business Users

Written by Mat Durham

With 50 million units sold to date, it's fair to say that the iPhone has taken the world by storm.

Games, gadgets and gimmicks have, as always, made the headlines - but the iPhone is fast becoming a powerful business tool, with many people choosing the iPhone to replace dysfunctional BlackBerry phones.

So, without further ado, here are five apps no business user should be without!

1. Business Card Reader

Take a snapshot of a business card and this app automagically converts the details on it into an entry in your contacts list. At first, I wrote this app off as a gimmick - but it works very well, and has a serious practical application.

Summary: Much more than a gimmick. This app will save you hours of manually entering contact details!

Cost: £3.49

Link: Manufacturer's Website | iPhone Store

2. LinkedIn

If you're anything like me, you like the idea of LinkedIn but never quite get around to checking it. This app means you can log on if you have five minutes spare on the train. You can even customise the appearance to your favourite hue. Magic!

Summary: A very well designed app that will keep you right up to date with your LinkedIn account.

Cost: Free!

Link: Manufacturer's Website | iPhone Store

3. AnalyticsPro (Google Analytics for iPhone)

Checking your GA stats is another task that often gets overlooked day-to-day. This app is a quick and easy way to take a look at your website statistics if you have two minutes spare.

I particularly like this app because the lack of space has forced the developer to think hard about the structure of information - and, as a result, the information is presented in a much clearer way than it is on the official GA site.

Summary: A fast, simple to use app that makes it enjoyable to check your stats on the go.

Cost: £3.99

Link: Manufacturer's Website | iPhone Store

4. Sherpa for Basecamp

If you use Basecamp from 37Signals to manage your projects (we do and it's brilliant), this tool can ensure you're on top of everything your team is up to when you're on the go.

Summary: A priceless tool if you use Basecamp.

Cost: £2.39

Link: Manufacturer's Website | iPhone Store

5. Mindjet for iPhone

MindManager is a mind-mapping tool. If you're not sure what a mindmap is, it's a posh version of a spider diagram. It's posh because you can attach lengthy notes, files and images to each heading - making it a brilliant tool for brainstorming, planning a project, drafting a document or just getting your thoughts in order.

If you don't use MindManager, you should definitely check it out! If you do, this iPhone app means you can carry and edit your mindmaps on the go.

Summary: A brilliant companion for MindManager.

Cost: £4.99

Link: Manufacturer's Website | iPhone Store