Cbeyond Adds Android-Powered HTC Hero to Smartphone Lineup

Googles mobile operating system, Android, is taking root among business users, as evidenced by Tuesdays announcement that SMB-focused CLEC Cbeyond Inc. has added the HTC Hero smartphone to its lineup of mobile devices.

Cbeyond already sells Research In Motions BlackBerry Curve. Road warriors long have considered a the BlackBerry the must-have phone, but Research In Motion is finding its dominance challenged by the iPhone and Android-powered handsets. Now, Cbeyond is bulking up its smartphone portfolio with the Android-based HTC Hero, the customizable, well-reviewed, apps-friendly iPhone rival.

“Small business owners are looking for solutions like the HTC Hero that allow their employees to make the most out of every moment,” Melanie Kreh, director of product management for Cbeyond, said in a prepared statement. “When combined with Hosted Microsoft Exchange, a smartphone like the HTC Hero becomes an even more powerful device, allowing employees to synchronize with their desktop e-mail, calendar and tasks to stay connected when they are away from the office.”

Cbeyond has developed more than 30 of its own productivity-enhancing” applications its business users can add to their HTC Hero smartphones.