Time and money are linked in many ways and in many famous quotes. But let's talk about time and money from an IT perspective. Let's consider loss of access: The simple day-to-day loss of access to what an employee needs to do their job.

Imagine you arrive to work tomorrow and all of your computers are gone. All the hardware and all the backups. OK, maybe that’s not too likely, after all you do have security and alarms at your facility, but what if you arrive at work and there’s been an accident ─ a truck carrying hazardous materials has spilled its contents on your street and you can’t get into your building. Or what if you find you'll be without power for days, or, in the case of other disasters, for weeks. Can your business survive without its computers and its data for this length of time?

Many free or for-purchase apps can help businesses reduce expenses. Among them:

Skype Mobile. Allows users to make Skype calls without using phone minutes

Xora Mobile Workforce Manager. A combination GPS and time clock that lets workers punch in, punch out, keep track of overtime, and know when to turn left or right

Telenav Track. Lets employers actually see workers, vehicles, and other equipment in the field; automates field-data capture and integrates with back-office systems