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Salesforce Introduces Agentblazer Status

Salesforce Introduces Agentblazer Status

Salesforce Introduces Agentblazer Status: Your AI Learning Roadmap on Trailhead Trailblazers have always been at the forefront of innovation, using Salesforce to empower businesses and communities. Now, as AI transforms the way we work and solve problems, the need for a deeper understanding of this technology has never been greater. Technology is evolving—becoming smarter, more powerful, and more creative. To thrive in the era of agentic AI, we must evolve too. That means staying curious, embracing change, and continuously building new skills. At Salesforce, we’ve seen our community embody this mindset, always ready to learn and explore new possibilities. Today, we’re making that journey even easier with a structured path to mastering AI and Agentforce. Introducing Agentblazer Status Meet Agentblazers—Trailblazers who leverage Salesforce’s digital labor platform to build Agentforce-powered companies. Whether you’re just starting with AI or already developing advanced autonomous agents, Agentblazer Status provides a clear, structured learning path tailored to your expertise level. Your Agentblazer journey includes three levels: Each level is tied to dedicated Trails, including interactive modules and hands-on challenges that build your expertise. As you progress, you’ll earn badges and points that showcase your Agentblazer Status on your Trailblazer Profile. Building the Skills for the Future The skills that got you here today won’t be enough to take you where you need to go next. AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a collaborator. The future of work isn’t about whether you’ll work with AI but how you’ll integrate, manage, and optimize autonomous agents to elevate customer experiences and business operations. That’s why developing Agentforce literacy is essential for every professional. The Agentblazer program provides a structured roadmap to help you move from AI fundamentals to real-world implementation, ensuring you stay ahead in an AI-driven workplace. Join the Agentblazer Community We’re committed to supporting your AI learning journey. That’s why Salesforce is offering the first attempt at the Agentforce Specialist Certification exam free of charge through 2025. Get started today: The AI revolution is here—are you ready to lead it? Let Tectonic guide you! Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Financial Services Sector

Fundingo Outshines Mortgage Automator

Why Fundingo Outshines Mortgage Automator: A Salesforce-Based Perspective Introduction In the dynamic world of loan servicing and mortgage management, businesses face increasing demands for flexibility, efficiency, and scalability. While Mortgage Automator is a well-known provider, many users encounter significant challenges, including inflexible loan structures and cumbersome reporting processes. Fundingo, a Salesforce-native solution, addresses these issues head-on with a modern, adaptable, and user-friendly approach to loan management. Pain Points of Mortgage Automator Despite its established presence, Mortgage Automator comes with notable limitations: Fundingo’s Competitive Edge Fundingo offers a suite of advantages designed for modern lending institutions, making it the superior choice: Head-to-Head Comparison Feature Fundingo Mortgage Automator Flexibility High – Supports diverse loan products Limited – Rigid loan structures Reporting Automated and user-friendly Complex and manual processes Integrations Seamless with Salesforce ecosystem Poor integration capabilities Scalability Cost-effective, built-in scalability Expensive add-ons hinder growth Security & Compliance SOC 1 certified Basic security measures Summary Fundingo emerges as the ideal solution for modern loan servicing and mortgage management. By addressing the common challenges associated with Mortgage Automator—rigid loan structures, manual processes, and costly add-ons—Fundingo provides a flexible, scalable, and secure alternative. Its Salesforce-native design, built-in CRM, mobile accessibility, exceptional uptime, and robust security measures make it the best competitor in the market, empowering financial institutions to deliver exceptional service while optimizing operational efficiency. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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HIPAA

Salesforce HIPAA Compliance

Compliance plays a critical role in managing sensitive information, especially under regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Salesforce HIPAA Compliance. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA establishes national standards for safeguarding sensitive health information. Organizations and individuals who store, manage, or transmit healthcare data are subject to these regulations, which prioritize the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient information. While Salesforce provides tools to support HIPAA compliance, the responsibility for ensuring compliance ultimately lies with the data-processing organization or individual—not solely the platform itself. This insight explores Salesforce’s role in HIPAA compliance, key features for safeguarding electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI), and best practices for adhering to regulatory requirements. Understanding HIPAA Salesforce’s flexibility as a CRM platform allows it to serve industries that require HIPAA compliance, particularly healthcare and life sciences. At its core, HIPAA protects Protected Health Information (PHI)—any patient-identifiable information in medical records. PHI extends beyond traditional medical data to include names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and more. When PHI is managed or transmitted electronically, it’s classified as electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI), which is subject to additional safeguards. Entities Covered by HIPAA HIPAA applies to several types of entities: While Salesforce is classified as a Business Associate, organizations using the platform remain responsible for adhering to HIPAA’s security requirements. Salesforce and the Business Associate Agreement (BAA) As a Business Associate, Salesforce must enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with healthcare organizations and other Covered Entities to define responsibilities and security measures for handling ePHI. The BAA outlines the Salesforce features and services eligible for HIPAA compliance. Notably: Without a signed BAA, organizations face significant penalties for HIPAA violations, even in the absence of a data breach. HIPAA-Compliant Salesforce Solutions Salesforce offers various solutions and features to support HIPAA compliance. These are categorized into platform security measures and specific compliant services: Key Security Features HIPAA-Compliant Services It’s important to note that not all Salesforce features are HIPAA-compliant, and proper configuration is critical to ensure compliance. Restrictions and Challenges While Salesforce offers robust security tools, some limitations and risks exist: Additionally, some Salesforce services, like certain social or mobile features in Health Cloud, are not compliant by default and require explicit mention in the BAA to be used with ePHI. Best Practices for HIPAA Compliance To maximize HIPAA compliance with Salesforce, organizations should: HIPAA Compliance Checklist Here’s a concise checklist to guide your HIPAA compliance efforts: Leveraging Third-Party Tools Solutions like GRAX can enhance HIPAA compliance in Salesforce by adding capabilities such as data backup, archiving, and recovery. GRAX’s security features include: However, integrating third-party solutions requires careful vetting to avoid compliance risks. Salesforce HIPAA Compliance Salesforce is a powerful tool for healthcare organizations, but achieving HIPAA compliance requires understanding its capabilities and limitations. A well-configured Salesforce environment, combined with diligent user management and third-party tools, can help organizations meet regulatory requirements while safeguarding patient data. By embracing best practices and staying informed about shared responsibilities, organizations can ensure HIPAA compliance, avoid penalties, and build trust with patients and stakeholders. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Outsourced Salesforce Admin

Maximizing Business Potential with Outsourced Salesforce Admin Services Salesforce is an indispensable tool for managing customer relationships, streamlining operations, and driving growth. However, fully leveraging Salesforce’s capabilities requires skilled management, regular maintenance, and continuous updates. While some businesses prefer in-house management, outsourcing Salesforce admin services has emerged as a strategic option offering numerous advantages, including cost savings, access to specialized expertise, and improved system performance. This allows businesses to focus on core priorities. Key Benefits of Outsourcing Salesforce Admin Services 1. Access to Specialized Expertise Salesforce’s vast features and capabilities demand a deep understanding of its tools, integrations, and customizations. Outsourcing provides access to professionals with industry-specific expertise and up-to-date knowledge of Salesforce advancements. These experts ensure system optimization by implementing advanced features, automating workflows, and customizing dashboards, minimizing downtime, resolving issues efficiently, and improving overall system reliability. 2. Scalability and Flexibility Business needs evolve over time, and so do Salesforce requirements. Outsourced teams offer scalability and adaptability, making it easy to adjust services during periods of growth, mergers, system upgrades, or market expansion. This flexibility ensures businesses can meet their changing needs without disrupting operations. 3. Cost Efficiency and Resource Optimization Hiring and training in-house Salesforce administrators can be expensive. Outsourcing eliminates these costs by providing access to top-tier talent without the overhead of full-time employees. Moreover, outsourcing allows internal teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than day-to-day Salesforce management, maximizing productivity. 4. Enhanced Security and Compliance Protecting sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance is critical, especially in highly regulated industries. Outsourced Salesforce administrators bring extensive experience in implementing robust security measures, conducting regular audits, and mitigating vulnerabilities. Their proactive approach ensures data integrity and minimizes risks. 5. Improved Operational Efficiency Outsourcing ensures routine maintenance, performance monitoring, and data cleansing are consistently handled, reducing errors and improving system performance. Outsourced teams also use advanced tools to identify inefficiencies and recommend optimizations, creating streamlined workflows and resource utilization. 6. Quick Issue Resolution Experienced outsourced admins can diagnose and resolve technical issues promptly, minimizing disruptions. Their expertise and access to dedicated support channels ensure faster problem resolution, enabling businesses to maintain productivity and meet customer expectations. 7. Strategic Guidance and Insights Beyond daily management, outsourced professionals provide valuable strategic insights based on their cross-industry experience. From identifying automation opportunities to recommending data-driven strategies, they help businesses leverage Salesforce to achieve long-term objectives and foster innovation. 8. Tailored Customization and Integration Salesforce’s customization potential is vast, but it requires expertise to align the system with business goals effectively. Outsourcing ensures seamless integration and customization, whether through unique workflows, custom applications, or third-party tools. This tailored approach maximizes ROI and ensures Salesforce evolves with the organization. 9. Continuity Despite Employee Turnover Employee turnover in in-house teams can disrupt Salesforce management. Outsourced providers ensure continuity through established processes and teams, minimizing downtime and reducing the burden on internal staff. 10. Focus on Core Competencies Outsourcing Salesforce management allows internal teams to focus on innovation, market expansion, and customer service, while experts handle Salesforce’s complexities. This alignment of resources drives long-term success. 11. Access to Advanced Tools and Technologies Outsourced teams leverage advanced tools for data accuracy, performance insights, and productivity enhancements. These technologies improve system usability and allow businesses to stay competitive. 12. Knowledge Updates and Ongoing Training Salesforce evolves continuously, requiring admins to stay updated with new features and industry trends. Outsourced professionals invest in ongoing training and certifications, ensuring businesses benefit from the latest advancements without dedicating internal resources to training. 13. Time-Zone Benefits and 24/7 Support For global businesses, outsourced teams provide round-the-clock support to address technical issues promptly, regardless of time zones. Maintenance tasks can also be scheduled during non-business hours, minimizing disruptions and enhancing efficiency. Conclusion Outsourcing Salesforce admin services is a strategic investment for businesses aiming to enhance performance, drive growth, and streamline operations. By leveraging the expertise of skilled professionals, businesses can benefit from seamless system management, tailored customizations, and proactive support while reducing costs and resource demands. For organizations seeking to stay competitive in today’s dynamicmarketplace, outsourcing Salesforce admin services is not just a convenience but a strategic move toward achieving long-term success. By leaving Salesforce management to the experts, businesses can focus on their core goals and drive innovation. Contact Tectonic Today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Python-Based Reasoning

Python-Based Reasoning

Introducing a Python-Based Reasoning Engine for Deterministic AI As the demand for deterministic systems grows reviving foundational ideas for the age of large language models (LLMs) is here. The Challenge One of the critical issues with modern AI systems is establishing constraints around how they validate and reason about incoming data. As we increasingly rely on stochastic LLMs to process unstructured data, enforcing rules and guardrails becomes vital for ensuring reliability and consistency. The Solution Thus a company has developed a Python-based reasoning and validation framework inspired by Pydantic, designed to empower developers and non-technical domain experts to create sophisticated rule engines. The system is: By transforming Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and business guardrails into enforceable code, this symbolic reasoning framework addresses the need for structured, interpretable, and reliable AI systems. Key Features System Architecture The framework includes five core components: Types of Engines Case Studies 1. Validation Engine: Mining Company Compliance A mining company needed to validate employee qualifications against region-specific requirements. The system was configured to check rules such as minimum age and required certifications for specific roles. Input Example:Employee data and validation rules were modeled as JSON: jsonCopy code{ “employees”: [ { “name”: “Sarah”, “age”: 25, “documents”: [{ “type”: “safe_handling_at_work” }] }, { “name”: “John”, “age”: 17, “documents”: [{ “type”: “heavy_lifting” }] } ], “rules”: [ { “type”: “min_age”, “parameters”: { “min_age”: 18 } } ] } Output:Violations, such as “Minimum age must be 18,” were flagged immediately, enabling quick remediation. 2. Reasoning Engine: Solving the River Crossing Puzzle To showcase its capabilities, we modeled the classic river crossing puzzle, where a farmer must transport a wolf, a goat, and a cabbage across a river without leaving incompatible items together. Steps Taken: Enhanced Scenario:Adding a new rule—“Wolf cannot be left with a chicken”—created an unsolvable scenario. By introducing a compensatory rule, “Farmer can carry two items at once,” the system adapted and solved the puzzle with fewer moves. Developer Insights The system supports rapid iteration and debugging. For example, adding rules is as simple as defining Python classes: pythonCopy codeclass GoatCabbageRule(Rule): def evaluate(self, state): return not (state.goat == state.cabbage and state.farmer != state.goat) def get_description(self): return “Goat cannot be left alone with cabbage” Real-World Impact This framework accelerates development by enabling non-technical stakeholders to contribute to rule creation through natural language, with developers approving and implementing these rules. This process reduces development time by up to 5x and adapts seamlessly to varied use cases, from logistics to compliance. 🔔🔔 Follow us on LinkedIn 🔔🔔 Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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What is Heroku

What is Heroku

What is Heroku? Heroku is a modern, container-based Platform as a Service (PaaS) that enables developers to deploy, manage, and scale applications with ease. Designed for simplicity, flexibility, and elegance, it provides the fastest path for developers to take their apps to market. Key Features of Heroku: The Evolution of Heroku Heroku has recently undergone a transformation, becoming fully cloud-native with advanced integrations like Kubernetes, OpenTelemetry, and Agentforce, an AI-powered enhancement to its platform. These upgrades retain the platform’s hallmark simplicity while delivering more performance and tools, such as Graviton processors, EKS, ECR, and AWS Global Accelerator. AI-Powered Innovation: Agentforce Agentforce, Heroku’s latest feature, brings AI-powered automation to app development. It empowers both technical and non-technical users by offering natural language workflows for building applications, making it accessible to a wider range of business users. According to Betty Junod, Heroku’s Chief Marketing Officer at Salesforce, the platform now seamlessly combines user-friendly experiences with cutting-edge AI capabilities: “We’ve replatformed while keeping the experience as simple as ever, but now with added horsepower, Graviton performance, and managed AI tools like Bedrock.” Agentforce is particularly impactful for non-developers, guiding them through building apps and automating processes with no-code or low-code tools. This innovation aligns with Heroku’s mission to make app creation easier and more interactive: “It’s not just apps serving information anymore; users are engaging with them in entirely new ways.” Deliver Apps, Your Way Heroku is designed to serve a variety of needs, from quick prototypes to mission-critical enterprise applications. Its fully managed ecosystem allows you to build and scale apps efficiently, leveraging the tools and languages you already know and love. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Tectonic Salesforce Implementation Partner

Choosing a 2025 Salesforce Solutions Partner

Salesforce has revolutionized how companies manage customer relationships, offering a powerful CRM platform that drives efficiency, productivity, and sales growth. However, fully unlocking its potential requires more than just subscribing to the platform. Successful deployment, seamless integration, and tailored customization are critical to maximizing Salesforce’s benefits. That’s where selecting the right Salesforce Cloud Solutions Partner becomes crucial. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a Salesforce implementation partner to ensure a successful deployment and seamless integration tailored to your business needs. Why You Need a Salesforce Cloud Solutions Partner The Salesforce ecosystem is vast and complex, offering a range of tools, services, and integrations that can be overwhelming without the right guidance. From pricing options to technical aspects of Salesforce Sales Cloud, implementation, and integrations, the right partner can simplify the process. A skilled Salesforce Cloud Solutions Partner can: Choosing the right partner can significantly impact your Salesforce journey, ensuring a smooth transition and long-term success. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Partner 1. Assess Expertise and Experience Salesforce implementation requires technical proficiency and industry-specific expertise. Look for a partner who: Additionally, ensure the partner is skilled in services you may require, such as Salesforce Outlook Integration or trial configurations. 2. Evaluate Customization Capabilities Every business is unique, and your Salesforce CRM must reflect that. A capable partner will tailor the platform to your needs, including: Customization ensures your Salesforce environment fits your business like a glove, optimizing operations and delivering maximum ROI. 3. Look for a Holistic Approach to Integration Salesforce excels at integrating with various platforms to streamline workflows. Choose a partner who offers: A well-integrated system simplifies operations, enhances productivity, and positions your business for scalable success. 4. Ensure Support and Training Salesforce implementation is only the beginning; ongoing support and training are critical to success. Your partner should offer: Continuous support ensures your team fully leverages Salesforce, adapting to new features and growing with the platform. 5. Prioritize Pricing Transparency Salesforce offers flexible pricing plans, but implementation costs can vary. Ensure your partner provides: Pricing transparency helps you plan effectively and avoid surprises during your Salesforce journey. Conclusion Selecting the right Salesforce Cloud Solutions Partner is a critical decision that can profoundly impact your business’s efficiency and growth. By focusing on expertise, customization, integration, and support, you can ensure a smooth Salesforce implementation that maximizes your investment. A trusted partner doesn’t just implement Salesforce; they become an integral part of your success, helping you scale confidently and adapt to future challenges. For tailored guidance on selecting the ideal Salesforce partner or learning more about best practices for Salesforce CRM implementation, explore our detailed insights and resources. Make an informed choice and set your organization up for long-term success with Salesforce. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming threat detection by enabling faster, more accurate identification of potential security breaches through its ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, detect anomalies and patterns that might indicate a threat, even when those threats are new or previously unknown, thus providing a proactive approach to cybersecurity compared to traditional rule-based systems.

AI is Transforming Threat Detection

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming threat detection by enabling faster, more accurate identification of potential security breaches through its ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, detect anomalies and patterns that might indicate a threat, even when those threats are new or previously unknown, thus providing a proactive approach to cybersecurity compared to traditional rule-based systems.

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Necessary Salesforce Admin Skills

Necessary Salesforce Admin Skills

In 2023, Salesforce Admins created 230,000 objects, generated over 2.7 billion reports monthly, and performed 1 trillion AI predictions weekly. These figures highlight the critical role of an Admin in the Salesforce ecosystem. However, becoming an expert Salesforce Admin requires more than just technical know-how. A blend of both technical and soft skills is essential to truly excel in this role. Whether you’re new to the role or looking to enhance your skills, learning the right abilities is key to thriving as a Salesforce Admin. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential Salesforce Admin skills you need to effectively manage the platform and drive business success. Key Takeaways 14 Essential Salesforce Admin Skills to Master These are some of the key skills outlined in Salesforce’s “Admin Skills Kit” that will help you secure top Salesforce Admin positions. 1. Communication Strong communication skills are critical for Salesforce Admins, who act as the link between technical teams, stakeholders, and users. You’ll need to explain complex processes clearly so that all parties can understand. Why It Matters: Clear communication ensures users can effectively engage with the platform and make informed decisions based on Salesforce data. How To Improve: Practice simplifying technical concepts, actively listen to others’ needs, and refine your ability to convey information clearly. 2. Problem Solving Challenges will arise in your role, from system errors to user issues. Having strong problem-solving skills allows you to identify the root cause of issues and quickly implement effective solutions. Why It Matters: Efficient problem resolution minimizes downtime and keeps the Salesforce platform running smoothly. How To Improve: Break down problems into manageable parts, brainstorm solutions, and always evaluate the impact of your decisions. 3. Attention to Detail Salesforce admins deal with complex data and processes that require accuracy. From maintaining data integrity to configuring processes, attention to detail is crucial. Why It Matters: Even small errors can result in inaccurate data, security risks, or inefficient processes. How To Improve: Double-check your work, use Salesforce validation tools, and ensure all workflows are correctly configured before launching. 4. Learner’s Mindset Salesforce evolves constantly, with frequent updates and new features. A learner’s mindset helps you stay on top of these changes and continuously improve your skills. Why It Matters: The more you know, the more value you bring. Keeping up with updates ensures you’re using the latest tools to benefit your organization. How To Improve: Engage with Salesforce communities, complete Trailhead modules, and attend webinars to stay current. 5. User Management As an Admin, you’ll be responsible for managing users, creating profiles, setting roles and permissions, and ensuring proper access to data. Why It Matters: Proper user management boosts productivity while ensuring data security. How To Improve: Learn the ins and outs of Salesforce profiles, roles, and permission sets, and practice managing users in a sandbox environment. 6. Security Management In today’s digital age, data security is a top priority. Salesforce Admins are responsible for safeguarding organizational data from unauthorized access or breaches. Why It Matters: Poor security can lead to data leaks, damaging the company’s reputation and finances. How To Improve: Master security settings, understand field-level permissions, and stay informed on two-step verification and audit tracking. 7. Business Analysis Admins need to understand the business needs of their organization. Business analysis skills help you gather requirements, understand workflows, and tailor Salesforce to meet those needs. Why It Matters: The better you understand the business, the more effectively you can customize Salesforce to add value. How To Improve: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify pain points and design solutions that address specific business needs. 8. Data Analysis Working with large data sets is a regular part of being a Salesforce Admin. Knowing how to analyze data and generate insights is essential. Why It Matters: Data analysis drives informed decision-making, streamlines workflows, and improves communication. How To Improve: Familiarize yourself with Salesforce’s reporting tools, dashboards, and data export features. 9. Data Management Effective data management is critical to maintaining a well-functioning Salesforce system. This involves data transfers, cleaning, deduplication, and archiving. Why It Matters: Clean and organized data supports accurate reporting and better decision-making. How To Improve: Learn best practices for data imports, validation rules, and data maintenance tools like Data Loader. 10. Designer’s Mindset Admins with a designer’s mindset can create user-friendly interfaces and workflows that enhance the system’s usability. Why It Matters: A well-designed interface improves the user experience, making work more efficient and enjoyable. How To Improve: Use the Lightning App Builder to create custom page layouts and optimize user flows. 11. Change Management When implementing new processes or updates, effective change management is key. This includes communication, ensuring smooth transitions, and training users on new features. Why It Matters: Proper change management ensures high adoption rates and a smooth transition to new features or updates. How To Improve: Develop communication plans, conduct training, and gather user feedback during transitions. 12. Process Automation Salesforce’s automation capabilities allow admins to streamline repetitive tasks. Automation skills help you create workflows, approval processes, and automated communications. Why It Matters: Automating repetitive tasks saves time and ensures that critical business processes are followed consistently. How To Improve: Learn how to use Flows, Process Builder, and Workflow Rules to automate business operations. 13. Product Management A product management mindset helps Admins align the platform with users’ and stakeholders’ needs, ensuring Salesforce delivers value to the organization. Why It Matters: Meeting evolving business needs ensures you continue to add value as an Admin. How To Improve: Collect user feedback, prioritize requests, and align updates with overall business goals. 14. Project Management Salesforce Admins often lead projects such as implementing new features or migrating data. Strong project management skills are essential to execute these tasks effectively. Why It Matters: Good project management ensures that goals are met on time and within budget. How To Improve: Get comfortable with project management tools, scheduling, resource management, and stakeholder communication. Conclusion The role of a Salesforce Admin combines both technical and soft skills like communication,

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Life of a Salesforce Admin in the AI Era

Life of a Salesforce Admin in the AI Era

The life of Salesforce admins is rapidly evolving as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral to business operations. Let’s examine the Life of a Salesforce Admin in the AI Era. By 2025, the Salesforce admin’s role will expand beyond managing CRM systems to include leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and maintain security. While this future offers exciting opportunities, it also comes with new responsibilities that require admins to adapt and learn. So, what will Salesforce admins need to succeed in this AI-driven landscape? The Salesforce Admin’s Role in 2025 In 2025, Salesforce admins will be at the forefront of digital transformation, helping organizations harness the full potential of the Salesforce ecosystem and AI-powered tools. These AI tools will automate processes, predict trends, and improve overall efficiency. Many professionals are already enrolling in Salesforce Administrator courses focused on AI and automation, equipping them with the essential skills to thrive in this new era. Key Responsibilities in Life of a Salesforce Admin in the AI Era 1. AI Integration and Optimization Admins will be responsible for integrating AI tools like Salesforce Einstein AI into workflows, ensuring they’re properly configured and tailored to the organization’s needs. Core tasks include: 2. Automating Processes with AI AI will revolutionize automation, making complex workflows more efficient. Admins will need to: 3. Data Management and Predictive Analytics Admins will leverage AI to manage data and generate predictive insights. Key responsibilities include: 4. Enhancing Security and Compliance AI-powered security tools will help admins proactively protect systems. Responsibilities include: 5. Supporting AI-Driven Customer Experiences Admins will deploy AI tools that enhance customer interactions. Their responsibilities include: 6. Continuous Learning and Upskilling As AI evolves, so too must Salesforce admins. Key learning areas include: 7. Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams Admins will work closely with IT, marketing, and sales teams to deploy AI solutions organization-wide. Their collaborative efforts will include: Skills Required for Future Salesforce Admins 1. AI and Machine Learning Proficiency Admins will need to understand how AI models like Einstein AI function and how to deploy them. While not requiring full data science expertise, a solid grasp of AI concepts—such as predictive analytics and machine learning—will be essential. 2. Advanced Data Management and Analysis Managing large datasets and ensuring data accuracy will be critical as admins work with AI tools. Proficiency in data modeling, SQL, SOQL, and ETL processes will be vital for handling AI-powered data management. 3. Automation and Process Optimization AI-enhanced automation will become a key responsibility. Admins must master tools like Salesforce Flow and Einstein Automate to build intelligent workflows and ensure smooth process automation. 4. Security and Compliance Expertise With AI-driven security protocols, admins will need to stay updated on data privacy regulations and deploy tools that ensure compliance and prevent data breaches. 5. Collaboration and Leadership Admins will lead the implementation of AI tools across departments, requiring strong collaboration and leadership skills to align AI-driven solutions with business objectives. Advanced Certifications for AI-Era Admins To stay competitive, Salesforce admins will need to pursue advanced certifications. Key certifications include: Tectonic’s Thoughts The Salesforce admin role is transforming as AI becomes an essential part of the platform. By mastering AI tools, optimizing processes, ensuring security, and continuously upskilling, Salesforce admins can become pivotal players in driving digital transformation. The future is bright for those who embrace the AI-powered Salesforce landscape and position themselves at the forefront of innovation. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Third Wave of AI at Salesforce

Third Wave of AI at Salesforce

The Third Wave of AI at Salesforce: How Agentforce is Transforming the Landscape At Dreamforce 2024, Salesforce unveiled several exciting innovations, with Agentforce taking center stage. This insight explores the key changes and enhancements designed to improve efficiency and elevate customer interactions. Introducing Agentforce Agentforce is a customizable AI agent builder that empowers organizations to create and manage autonomous agents for various business tasks. But what exactly is an agent? An agent is akin to a chatbot but goes beyond traditional capabilities. While typical chatbots are restricted to scripted responses and predefined questions, Agentforce agents leverage large language models (LLMs) and generative AI to comprehend customer inquiries contextually. This enables them to make independent decisions, whether processing requests or resolving issues using real-time data from your company’s customer relationship management (CRM) system. The Role of Atlas At the heart of Agentforce’s functionality lies the Atlas reasoning engine, which acts as the operational brain. Unlike standard assistive tools, Atlas is an agentic system with the autonomy to act on behalf of the user. Atlas formulates a plan based on necessary actions and can adjust that plan based on evaluations or new information. When it’s time to engage, Atlas knows which business processes to activate and connects with customers or employees via their preferred channels. This sophisticated approach allows Agentforce to significantly enhance operational efficiency. By automating routine inquiries, it frees up your team to focus on more complex tasks, delivering a smoother experience for both staff and customers. Speed to Value One of Agentforce’s standout features is its emphasis on rapid implementation. Many AI projects can be resource-intensive and take months or even years to launch. However, Agentforce enables quick deployment by leveraging existing Salesforce infrastructure, allowing organizations to implement solutions rapidly and with greater control. Salesforce also offers pre-built Agentforce agents tailored to specific business needs—such as Service Agent, Sales Development Representative Agent, Sales Coach, Personal Shopper Agent, and Campaign Agent—all customizable with the Agent Builder. Agentforce for Service and Sales will be generally available starting October 25, 2024, with certain elements of the Atlas Reasoning Engine rolling out in February 2025. Pricing begins at $2 per conversation, with volume discounts available. Transforming Customer Insights with Data Cloud and Marketing Cloud Dreamforce also highlighted enhancements to Data Cloud, Salesforce’s backbone for all cloud products. The platform now supports processing unstructured data, which constitutes up to 90% of company data often overlooked by traditional reporting systems. With new capabilities for analyzing various unstructured formats—like video, audio, sales demos, customer service calls, and voicemails—businesses can derive valuable insights and make informed decisions across Customer 360. Furthermore, Data Cloud One enables organizations to connect siloed Salesforce instances effortlessly, promoting seamless data sharing through a no-code, point-and-click setup. The newly announced Marketing Cloud Advanced edition serves as the “big sister” to Marketing Cloud Growth, equipping larger marketing teams with enhanced features like Path Experiment, which tests different content strategies across channels, and Einstein Engagement Scoring for deeper insights into customer behavior. Together, these enhancements empower companies to engage customers more meaningfully and measurably across all touchpoints. Empowering the Workforce Through Education Salesforce is committed to making AI accessible for all. They recently announced free instructor-led courses and AI certifications available through 2025, aimed at equipping the Salesforce community with essential AI and data management skills. To support this initiative, Salesforce is establishing AI centers in major cities, starting with London, to provide hands-on training and resources, fostering AI expertise. They also launched a global Agentforce World Tour to promote understanding and adoption of the new capabilities introduced at Dreamforce, featuring repackaged sessions from the conference and opportunities for specialists to answer questions. The Bottom Line What does this mean for businesses? With the rollout of Agentforce, along with enhancements to Data Cloud and Marketing Cloud, organizations can operate more efficiently and connect with customers in more meaningful ways. Coupled with a focus on education through free courses and global outreach, getting on board has never been easier. If you’d like to discuss how we can help your business maximize its potential with Salesforce through data and AI, connect with us and schedule a meeting with our team. Legacy systems can create significant gaps between operations and employee needs, slowing lead processes and resulting in siloed, out-of-sync data that hampers business efficiency. Responding to inquiries within five minutes offers a 75% chance of converting leads into customers, emphasizing the need for rapid, effective marketing responses. Salesforce aims to help customers strengthen relationships, enhance productivity, and boost margins through its premier AI CRM for sales, service, marketing, and commerce, while also achieving these goals internally. Recognizing the complexity of its decade-old processes, including lead assignment across three systems and 2 million lines of custom code, Salesforce took on the role of “customer zero,” leveraging Data Cloud to create a unified view of customers known as the “Customer 360 Truth Profile.” This consolidation of disparate data laid the groundwork for enterprise-wide AI and automation, improving marketing automation and reducing lead time by 98%. As Michael Andrew, SVP of Marketing Decision Science at Salesforce, noted, this initiative enabled the company to provide high-quality leads to its sales team with enriched data and AI scoring while accelerating time to market and enhancing data quality. Embracing Customer Zero “Almost exactly a year ago, we set out with a beginner’s mind to transform our lead automation process with a solution that would send the best leads to the right sales teams within minutes of capturing their data and support us for the next decade,” said Andrew. The initial success metric was “speed to lead,” aiming to reduce the handoff time from 20 minutes to less than one minute. The focus was also on integrating customer and lead data to develop a more comprehensive 360-degree profile for each prospect, enhancing lead assignment and sales rep productivity. Another objective was to boost business agility by cutting the average time to implement assignment changes from four weeks to mere days. Accelerating Success with

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AI All Grown Up

AI All Grown Up

If you thought Salesforce had fully embraced AI, think again. The company has much more in store. AI All Grown Up and Salesforce is the educator! Alongside the announcement of the new Agentforce platform, Salesforce has teased plans to offer free premium instructor-led courses and AI certifications throughout 2025, reflecting a bold commitment to fostering AI skills and expertise. We’ve talked quite a bit over the last year about the need for AI education, and lo and behold here comes Salesforce to the rescue! AI All Grown Up Ah, they grow up so fast. Once just a baby cradeled in our arms with endless possibilities and potential. It was just like a year or so ago we heard of ChatGPT. Prior to that most people’s main exposure to artificial intelligence was their smart phones, which today we realize weren’t reall that smart. Generative, predictive and agentic AI have barreled down the pipeline increasing our vocabulary, and understanding, of what artificial intelligence can do. From generative content to sounds and images, AI continued to amaze us. Then predictive AI did our calculations faster than we could have imagined. Then agentic AI did nearly everything imaginable. AI All Grown Up. Like a very proud mentor of the process, I want to talk about Salesforce’s major contribution. Addressing the AI Skills Gap: Salesforce’s $50 Million Investment As the veritable plethora of AI tools rapidly expands, Salesforce is taking proactive steps to address the growing AI skills gap by investing $50 million into workforce upskilling initiatives. The company aims to ensure that businesses and individuals are prepared to utilize their new wave of AI tools effectively. While the full details have yet to be released, Salesforce has revealed that its premium AI courses and certifications will be made available for free via Trailhead by the end of 2025. This could mean certifications such as AI Associate and AI Specialist, which currently cost $75 and $200 respectively, may soon be offered at no cost. Gratis. Free, Salesforce has also mentioned “premium instructor-led training,” sparking speculation that AI-focused, instructor-led Trailhead Academy courses could become accessible to everyone in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expanding AI Education with Global AI Centers Salesforce’s AI upskilling push is part of a broader initiative to establish “AI Centers” across the globe. Following the opening of its first center in London in June, Salesforce is planning to launch additional AI hubs in cities like Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney, and even a pop-up center in San Francisco. These centers will host in-person premium courses and serve as gathering spaces for industry experts, partners, and customers. This initiative benefits not only the Salesforce ecosystem by increasing AI knowledge where expertise is scarce, but also aligns with Salesforce’s strategy of bringing AI-driven solutions to market through new products like Copilot Studio, Data Cloud, and the newly launched Agentforce platform. Agentforce: Salesforce’s Third Wave of AI On August 28, 2024, Salesforce introduced Agentforce, a suite of autonomous AI agents that marks a significant leap in how businesses engage with customers. Described as the “Third Wave of AI,” Agentforce goes beyond traditional chatbots, providing intelligent agents capable of driving customer success with minimal human intervention. What is Agentforce? Agentforce is a comprehensive platform designed for organizations to build, customize, and deploy autonomous AI agents across various business functions, such as customer service, sales, marketing, and commerce. These agents operate independently, accessing data, crafting action plans, and executing tasks without needing constant human oversight. It is like Artificial Intelligence just graduated highschool and is off to a world of new adventures and growth opportunities at college or university! Key Features of Agentforce: The Technology Behind Agentforce At the core of Agentforce is the Atlas Reasoning Engine, a system designed to mimic human reasoning. Here’s how it works: Customization Tools: Agent Builder Agentforce provides tools like Agent Builder, a low-code platform for customizing out-of-the-box agents or creating new ones for specific business needs. With this tool, users can: The Agentforce Partner Network Salesforce’s partner ecosystem plays a key role in Agentforce’s versatility, with contributions from companies like AWS, Google, IBM, and Workday. Together, they’ve developed over 20 agent actions available through the Salesforce AppExchange. As proud parents we watch our Artificial Intelligence child venture into the world making friends along the way. Learning social skills. Benefits and Impact of Agentforce Early Adopters and Success Stories Several companies are already benefiting from Agentforce: Availability and Pricing of Salesforce’s AI All Grown Up Agentforce for Service and Sales will be generally available on October 25, 2024, with some components of the Atlas Reasoning Engine launching in February 2025. Pricing starts at $2 per conversation, with volume discounts available. The Future of AI and Work Salesforce’s ambitious vision is to empower one billion AI agents with Agentforce by the end of 2025. This reflects their belief that the future of work will involve a hybrid workforce, where humans and AI agents collaborate to drive customer success. AI All Grown Up and We Couldn’t Be Prouder Our amazing AI child has graduated college and ventured out into the workforce. Agentforce vs. Einstein Bots: What’s the Difference? Conclusion Agentforce represents a major leap forward in AI-powered customer engagement. By providing autonomous, intelligent agents capable of managing complex tasks, Salesforce is positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation. As businesses continue to explore ways to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction, Agentforce could redefine how organizations interact with customers and streamline their operations. If this is the Third Wave of AI, what will the fourth wave bring? Written by Tectonic’s Solutions Architect, Shannan Hearne Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business

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Salesforce Offers Free AI Training

Salesforce Offers Free AI Training

Salesforce has announced plans to broaden access to free AI training through its Trailhead online platform, aiming to equip 100,000 additional students with essential AI skills. With AI becoming a transformative technology that nearly every business is investing in, the demand for AI training is rapidly increasing. To meet this need, Salesforce is expanding its free AI training programs via Trailhead, which offers courses and certifications designed to enhance learners’ AI capabilities. These resources will be available until the end of 2025. At a time when employers need to upskill employees on artificial intelligence, Salesforce is at the ready. In support of this initiative, Salesforce will open new spaces at its San Francisco headquarters, including a pop-up AI Center for in-person training and a dedicated floor for employees to develop AI skills. This expansion represents a million investment in workforce development, addressing the growing AI skills gap. Salesforce aims to help every Trailblazer become an “Agentblazer,” a term for those trained on Salesforce products, by reaching 100,000 more learners through these offerings. Recent expansions to the Trailhead platform include AI-specific courses on fundamentals, ethical AI use, and prompting. Since June 2023, over 2.6 million AI and data badges have been earned by employees, jobseekers, and learners, unlocking critical skills. “AI and agents are reshaping how people work, and it’s essential that everyone has the skills to thrive in this new landscape,” said Brian Millham, president and COO of Salesforce. Tectonic credits Salesforce for offering equal training opportunities for partners, consultants, job seekers, and users. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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How to Hire the Right Salesforce Developer

Maximizing Salesforce: How to Hire the Right Salesforce Developer Salesforce has revolutionized how businesses manage customer relationships, becoming a cornerstone for enhancing customer service and engagement. However, to fully leverage its potential, skilled professionals are needed to customize and develop the platform to meet specific business needs. Hiring the right Salesforce developer is crucial for ensuring your organization gets the most out of this powerful tool. In this guide, we’ll explore key considerations before hiring a Salesforce developer, the steps involved in the hiring process, and tips for effective Salesforce recruitment. How to Hire the Right Salesforce Developer. Understanding Salesforce Developer Roles Before diving into the hiring process, it’s essential to understand the different Salesforce roles: Your business needs may require a combination of these roles. Depending on the complexity of your Salesforce environment, you might need more than just a developer. Key Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Salesforce Developer The most critical factor when hiring a Salesforce developer is their skill set. Salesforce development requires deep knowledge of various technologies and tools. Key skills include: Assessing a candidate’s industry-specific experience can provide insight into their ability to address your business challenges. Salesforce certifications validate a professional’s expertise. Key certifications to look for include: These certifications provide assurance of the candidate’s competency. A strong Salesforce developer should not only possess technical skills but also understand business processes. Developers who can translate business requirements into technical solutions will drive business value. Salesforce development often involves troubleshooting complex issues. Assess a candidate’s problem-solving abilities through technical interviews or practical tests. Strong problem-solvers will be invaluable when unexpected challenges arise. Effective communication is vital for a Salesforce developer. They must explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and document processes clearly for future maintenance. How to Hire the Right Salesforce Developer Start by defining the skills, experience, and certifications needed for the role. A well-defined job description will attract the right candidates. Create job postings that reflect the role’s responsibilities and qualifications. Use relevant keywords like “Salesforce job postings” and “Salesforce employment opportunities” to attract suitable candidates. Screen candidates based on their resumes and initial interviews, looking for a strong match between their experience and your job requirements. Evaluate candidates through practical tests to assess their Salesforce-specific coding skills and problem-solving abilities. Conduct multiple interview rounds: Salesforce Recruitment Tips Use platforms like LinkedIn and Salesforce-specific groups to find candidates and connect with the Salesforce community. Partnering with recruitment agencies that specialize in Salesforce roles can streamline the hiring process. Salesforce professionals are in high demand, so offering competitive salaries and benefits is key to attracting top talent. Identify candidates committed to professional development, as Salesforce is constantly evolving with new features and practices. Highlighting your company’s culture, values, and growth opportunities can attract top talent. Why Choose Tectonic – How to Hire the Right Salesforce Developer? Hiring the right Salesforce developer requires a thorough understanding of your business needs, a clear definition of the required skills, and a meticulous hiring process. By emphasizing these factors, you can ensure you recruit the right talent to drive your Salesforce initiatives. However many Salesforce projects don’t require a long term developer, business analyst, or project manager. Outsourcing these roles to Tectonic can provide a valuable savings in cost and improved project outcomes with a clean CRM in place from day one. At Tectonic, we take pride in being a leading Salesforce provider. Our team of certified Salesforce professionals is equipped with the skills and experience to meet your business demands. Whether you need a developer, administrator, or consultant, Tectonic’s rigorous recruiting process ensures we deliver the best talent. Partner with Tectonic to fully harness the potential of Salesforce and elevate your business to the next level. Contact us today to learn more about our Salesforce staffing solutions and how we can help you achieve your CRM goals. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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