The handheld is becoming the desktop. That’s the reality of today’s mobile workforce and, increasingly, we all need ready access to our networked world from handheld wireless devices and this means CIOs, too.

The good news is the flurry of new apps that continue to avalanche into the marketplace on multiple platforms. But, in this abundance, arises the need to be picky―apps-overwhelm is an all too easy place to find oneself. So, what apps do you really need now? Read on for an edited, but in-no-particular order (although the two at the top get my vote), selection of 10 apps that deserve a place on your mobile phone.

Preference is given here to BlackBerry apps because most of you carry RIM devices but there also are some Android, Windows Mobile, even iPhone apps sprinkled throughout the catalog. So, without further ado, the winners are:

SMobile Anti-Theft for Android – Kill it if you lose it. CIOs carry confidential info on their mobile devices and this app exists to do one thing: let you erase everything remotely. Enterprise server edition Blackberries allow for fast data destruction via IT admin commands. Android users can do the same with the SMobile app ($19.99), which also provides anti-virus protections. iPhone users will want Apple’s MobileMe, $99/year. Whatever phone you use, get this protection. It’s a must for c-suiters.

Read more about the Top 10 Apps CIO’s Need