The ability to communicate by email no matter where your day takes you is one thing that can set a small business above the competition. If you have to be on the road, out of the office - or just away from your desk - you need a way to access your email in order to be responsive to customers, suppliers and employees. These days, people expect fast answers, and if you can't supply them you could be hurting your business.

Wireless email and "smart phone" services geared to professionals and small business owners cost about $30 to $40 per month. In many cases, the cost will depend on the volume of emails you send and receive. In addition to voice calls, a smart phone offers:

1. Email, Internet and instant messaging.
2. Organizer applications such as calendars, contacts and task lists.
3. Business applications such as mileage managers, time and billing, contact management, inventory control and others.

And don't worry about losing information or having it on your mobile device when you really need it on your desktop. Choose a handheld that can exchange information wirelessly with your PC. Here are the best solutions for small business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stick with simple solutions from a wireless leader

BlackBerry's small business solutions keep it about as simple as possible. If you choose their Internet service, for example, you get wireless access to communications and information with nothing required on your end - no server software or solution outsourcing.

I recommend: Blackberry offers a range of wireless solutions specifically designed for small business, including email, phone, Internet, organizer and others.

Get an entrepreneur-tested smart phone

Treo, a 'smart phone' produced by Palm Inc., is a popular device among entrepreneurs. It can help simplify your life by combining a cell phone with email, an organizer, messaging and Web access (not to mention the MP3 player and digital camera).

I recommend: See the full line of Palm solutions for small business owners and professionals. While you're at the Web site, register for one of their helpful Webinars.

Choose a power-packed expandable Intellisync solution

Intellisync's Wireless Email Express is great for individuals and small to medium sized businesses – easy to install, secure, and integrates with almost any email platform. Works with Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes, as well as with most Internet email accounts such as Comcast, Earthlink and others.

I recommend: Details and ordering information at the Intellisync site.

Select from multiple products, plans and services

Major wireless companies such as Cingular offer solutions from a range of providers, including Blackberry, Palm, Pocket PC, Good Technology, Microsoft and others.

I recommend: Small business wireless productivity solutions at Cingular.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Microsoft ActiveSync automatically synchronizes e-mail, contacts, appointments, tasks and more between your device and PC or Exchange Server.
• •  Dell has a popular line of pocket PCs called the Axim, created and priced with small business owners and mobile professionals in mind.
• •  A great place to find independent reviews of handhelds is PDAstreet.
• •  Bone up on wireless industry lingo.