10 Mostly FREE Web Tools We Love for 2009
 

2009 is a New Year. Here at Cybertary, we're resolving to keep costs low by using as many FREE (or low-cost) web-based tools as we can to help sustain our smart, cost-effective work model. The good news is that today's online software and web-based technology tools are the best and most wallet-friendly we've ever seen - and they're getting better all the time. If you have a work problem, odds are there's a web-based solution available to help. Plus, the more we all strive to work, collaborate and manage our data, time and events online, the less impact we put on the planet. 

Here's a list of the web tools we can't wait to use (or continue to use) in 2009:

1. Google search engine and Gmail (free email with built-in Chat and now a Task Manager), and also check out Google Calendar , Google Docs (shared documents and spreadsheets), Google Reader (RSS), Google Talk (instant messaging), Google Alerts and Google Trends . FREE services.

2. Open Office 3 : An office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. Open Office is available in many languages and stores data in an international open standard format, which can also read and write files from common office software packages. Free service.

3. Blog Energizer: With this service, get fresh topics for your blog, tips to boost your blog's readership and more. FREE service.

4. Pidgin : Now you can instant message (IM) all your contacts from one place. Connect to AIM, MSN, Google Talk, Yahoo, and other IM networks all at once. FREE service.

5. Zamzar : Convert files without downloading software. Zamzar supports conversion between a wide variety of different file formats: documents, images, music and video formats, and even compressed files. FREE service up to 100MB and five concurrent conversions; plans from $7/month.

6. Skype : Make calls and video conference with business teams or customers around the world right from your computer (see also: Web Conferencing: Good for the Pocketbook and the Planet). Free service between Skype users.

7. Cayra : Like an online white board, Cayra lets you mind map and concept map in a collaborative space. Windows XP/Vista only. Free service.

8. Your Camera Phone: Take photos of documents, presentations, business cards and other visual ideas on the go. Then simply email them to your computer for reviewing, storing, faxing and sharing later. Regular messaging fees apply. 
   

9. Eventbrite : Quick, easy and cost-effective online registration solution for events. Eventbrite helps businesses and organizations of all sizes manage, promote and sell-out their events. Free service; fees apply on ticket sales for pay events.
   

10. LogicBright : This customer relationship manager (CRM) is a powerful online contact manager that is both simple to implement and easy to use. FREE 14-day trial; $25/per user/per month for 100MB.
    

2009 is a year for change. More online software, less buying software and licenses. More efficiency, less waste. More freedom, less time lost. More great customer service, less paper shuffling. We may be up against tough economic times, but let these times serve as a beneficial lesson for all of us small business owners. Let's resolve to find more ways to work smart. Now and always.