This list of applications was carefully chosen based on its popularity and functionality. Some of the applications on this list are heavily used by Maryland Techs.

1. Google Apps

Google Apps is one of the applications that we use at Maryland Techs. Google Apps comes in two versions, standard version which is free, and premium version which is $50 per user per year. Standard version may be all you need to run your business, although premium version gives you more features, ex: complete synchronization with Outlook - email, calendar and contacts, 25GB of online space for email and the ability to remove ads from Gmail interface. One other feature that you get with Google Apps Premium is Postini service  for spam filtering. An Android phone and Google Apps synchronize natively and work great together.

Gmail

The most popular email client on the web can now be used for your company. Gmail for Google apps can be accessed at a separate URL like this http://mail.google.com/a/yourdomain.com or you can have a re-direction URL from your domain which will make it easier to remember. ex: http://mail.yourdomain.com.

Google Docs

Google Docs include web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, form, and data storage service. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. Data storage of any files up to 250MB each in size was introduced on January 13, 2010.

Google Calendar

Events are stored online, meaning that the calendar can be viewed from any location that has Internet access. In the case of a user experiencing a hard drive failure, it also means that no data is lost. The application can import Microsoft Outlook calendar files (.csv). Multiple calendars can be added and shared, allowing various levels of permissions for the users. This enables collaboration and sharing of schedules between groups. General calendars available for importing into one's account include those containing national holidays of various countries.

2. Quickbooks Online Edition

Intuit offers a hosted solution called QuickBooks Online Edition. The user pays a monthly subscription fee rather than an upfront fee and accesses the software exclusively through a secure logon via a web browser. Intuit hosts all of the user's data, provides patches, and regularly upgrades the software automatically.

Until recently, the only browser supported by QuickBooks Online was Internet Explorer. However, Mozilla Firefox is now supported on PCs and Safari is now supported on the Mac platform. One may also access QuickBooks Online via an Android phone like the G1, iPhone and BlackBerry web app.

QuickBooks Online does not support all features of the desktop versions of QuickBooks. Specifically, inventory, purchase orders, and online bill payment are not included in the product and are only supported via third-party add-ons. Prices start at $9.95 a month and Online Payroll can be added for an additional fee.

3. Live Mesh

Although still in Beta, this is one of my favorite application. With this application you can synchronize any folder on your PC or notebook and soon on the Mac. All you have to do is install Live Mesh application and start synchronizing. If a file is added, edited or deleted on one computer it will update it on all of your synchronized computers. With this application you can also access your computers remotely, same way as LogmeIn works. Did i mention this application is free for up to 5GB of storage?

Prior to installing the software you need a Live ID from Microsoft which is free to sign up. You can share your files or folders with anyone who has a Live ID. If your internet connection is good you can replace your file sharing server with this tool.

4. Office Live Workspace

Office Live Workspace is a free Web-based service for storing and sharing documents online. If your company uses Microsoft Office heavily this online service can be very useful when it comes to collaboration of any Office product files. Just like with Live Mesh you will need to sign up for Live ID and  you will need to install Office Live Update on each computer. The Office Live Add-in installs a new toolbar in Microsoft Office XP and Microsoft Office 2003, and it adds new menu options in the 2007 Microsoft Office system.

5. Basecamp Project Management

Having a central place to organize and keep track of all your projects and notes goes a long way in making your life less stressful. Basecamp is the leading web-based project collaboration tool.

6. Salesforce

SalesForce CRM is an online web-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) service from Salesforce.com. As with all CRM software, it captures and organizes communications and information from current or prospective customers from many departments across a company.

7. MozyPro Online Backup

MozyPro is a backup application that stores your data securely on Mozy servers. All user data is encrypted locally with military-grade encryption prior to transfer via a 128-bit SSL connection. Users can choose a managed encryption key or a personal key for added security. For client computers it costs $3.95 a month and $0.50 per GB a month and for servers it's $6.95 a month. If your data is on a networked or mapped hard drive you will need to get a server license to backup files.

8. LogMeIn

LogMeIn Free includes: access from any Internet-connected Web browser; access to a Windows PC or Mac, remote control and desktop viewing, copy and paste between computers, Wake on LAN, reboot/reconnect (including safe mode), basic reports (remote access sessions and user access), Chat, AES 256-bit encryption, SSL/TLS intrusion detection, IP address lockout. No need for firewall, router or proxy configuration. No requirement for remote PC admin rights

For more features like file transfer, printing to local computer and sound you can signup for LogMeIn Pro for $12.20  a month or $69.95 a year if paid annually.