In today’s fast-paced business world, communication is like oxygen: It’s everywhere, and you need a constant supply.

Not surprisingly, a dizzying array of communication gadgets, systems and software has cropped up to meet the global demand for constant communication. But which solutions are right for you and your business? Here are three work styles and suggestions for solutions appropriate for each.

Phone Junkie

Can’t stand to miss a single call? Prefer the spoken word? Then unified communications are for you. Available from a number of sources, these systems make sure that your voice communication follows you wherever you go. You (and everyone in your organization, if you like) are assigned a personal toll-free phone number that connects to your home, office, cell or any other number. (You can even “blast” yourself if you’re not sure where you’ll be.) Like a tireless secretary, the system announces each caller and you can take the call or discreetly send it to voice mail if you wish.

Inbox Inmate

Do you feel like you live in your inbox? If so, make sure it’s a good one, with integrated calendar, scheduling, alerts and contacts. Traditional solutions such as Outlook are now receiving stiff competition from Web-based services such as Gmail. Both offer server-based data storage, which centralizes your information and prevents duplication, but Web-based systems are accessible from any computer with a Web browser. And if you simply can’t tear your eyes away from your inbox, innovative new services such as Sandy accept simple commands to set up appointments, reminders and more—by e-mail.

Road Warrior

You live out of a suitcase, and your usual address is an airline seat number. For you, the name of the game is portability—and ubiquity. The solution: wireless handhelds such as Palm, or a smartphone available from most communications carriers. Be certain to choose a device and carrier with coverage in the regions where you travel the most. And make sure that you’re able to set up direct communication with your e-mail, calendar and contact server (such as Exchange or Gmail) to avoid duplicate e-mails, alerts and contact lists. More sophisticated devices, such as Apple’s iPhone, have full-featured Web browsers.

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