by Eva McKnight, Formstack
Santiago Jaramillo is the CEO of Bluebridge Digital, an Indianapolis startup that specializes in app development and maintenance for clients who may currently be underrepresented in the mobile market. The Bluebridge Network currently houses VisitApps, CollegeApps and and ChurchApps, bringing mobile exposure to the tourism and higher education industries. Jaramillo was also recently named to Inc. Magazine’s annual “30 Under 30” list, which profiles rising stars in the tech and startup industries. As an advocate for mobile marketing, Jaramillo also recognizes the value and role of cloud computing in his business, as well as for small businesses in any industry. Here’s what he has to say about “The Cloud”:
How does your company currently utilize cloud computing?
At Bluebridge Digital, we use cloud computing in nearly every aspect of our business. We track customer information through Pipedrive and use Tinderbox for sales proposals, Gmail for communication with each other, and both Dropbox and Google Drive for file sharing. The Cloud allows us to use robust technology tools for a fraction of the cost of on-premise solutions.
What do you think is the greatest benefit of cloud computing for small businesses?
Cloud computing is especially helpful for small businesses for several reasons. Cloud computing allows us to share a document with someone and edit it instantly, while storing collaborators’ changes in one location. It also gives us the ability to sync to multiple devices, so accessing files on-the-go is possible. Also, most cloud services allow multiple operations to function on one server, so they offer functionality and robustness that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Cloud computing makes amazing software available to even the smallest of businesses. We’re truly experiencing the democratization of software.
What do you envision cloud computing will be like in 5 years?
I see cloud computing in five years as an extension of a person, almost a digital “organ.” While cloud computing has a remarkable path forward for business software, the most exciting parts of the future of cloud computing are the personal applications. For example, people could have most of their vital signs and key health indicators measured through a wearable device that wirelessly syncs with the cloud and allows doctors “dashboard reporting” of a patient’s real-time health. Gene sequences, prescription dosages, allergies, and medical histories, for example, will all be available on-demand through the Cloud. The real-time availability of personal health data is magnificently exciting to me. Cloud computing, sans-hyperbole, will play a key role in the next evolutionary jump of the human species and could result in lower infant mortality rates, longer life expectancy, higher quality of life, and general wellness.
Do you believe cloud computing will be utilized by more small business or by more enterprises?
Small businesses offer the largest opportunity for rapid adoption. While most enterprises have at least considered cloud computing, most small businesses are unaware of the benefits of cloud computing simply because they don’t know what is available. Marketing through education will serve as the catalyst for small business adoption of cloud computing.
How can small businesses use the cloud to stay relevant for the next five years – and longer?
The Cloud allows for communication and information transfer that can’t be found anywhere else. Communication, both internally and externally, keeps a business alive, and “the Cloud” makes that possible in an affordable, easy-to-use way. 
This article was contributed by Eva McKnight (@evachristine09) of Formstack. An Indianapolis-based form building company, Formstack makes it easy for users to collect data, engage with their customers, and grow their small businesses.
