Datasheet

14
Part I: Salesforce Basics
Connecting to other Web sites
As part of your job, you might regularly use Web sites for tasks such as
researching potential customers, getting driving directions, and getting the
inside scoop on your competition. With the help of your system administra-
tor, your company can build custom links in Salesforce that can connect you
directly with the relevant pages of important sites. Accessing your intranet,
populating a Web form to provision a demo, creating and propagating a
Salesforce record — all these tasks are within reach. And all this means time
saved for you.
Integrating with other applications
Your company might have other applications that contain critical customer
data — financial and enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications are just
a few examples. Many applications provide unique and indispensable value
to your organization. Your company isn’t going to retire them just because
you’re using Salesforce. But, based on company objectives, those applica-
tions might need to integrate with Salesforce. Because of Salesforce’s open
architecture, your company can integrate applications if you have the right
technical assistance.
Managing other business processes
When you log in to Salesforce, you see several tabs, grouped into tab sets
called apps. Salesforce.com prioritized the development of each of those tabs
based on core CRM functions. However, depending on your business needs,
you might require apps that have different functionality for teams that may
or may not have anything related to sales, marketing, or support. Submitting
expenses and requesting vacation time are just a few examples of what any
employee might need. With the Force.com platform (from salesforce.com),
your company can now easily build or download these custom apps to fit
your specific business needs. You can now use Salesforce for more than CRM
and ultimately manage a significant portion of your business online.
Deciding Which Edition Is Best for You
If you already use Salesforce, this topic might be a moot point. At the very
least, you know which version of Salesforce you have.
05_590713-ch01.indd 1405_590713-ch01.indd 14 9/15/10 3:23 PM9/15/10 3:23 PM