By adopting a NaaS model, businesses can optimize their networks for the future while focusing on what matters most—their core mission. The era of “hands-free” networking has arrived, and it’s redefining the IT landscape
Processing weekly payments can often become time-consuming, with organizations spending significant time just tracking payments post-invoice. Timely updates on payment processing have been a longstanding priority, particularly for companies needing flexible payment options to meet beneficiary needs. The integration of Stripe with Salesforce addresses these challenges, offering a streamlined, efficient solution. Salesforce and Stripe Integration. With a focus on faster processing, this integration enhances payment management, invoicing, and financial oversight. Here’s an overview of the benefits that Stripe and Salesforce integration brings to businesses. Key Benefits of Integrating Stripe with Salesforce Modern businesses demand efficient, seamless transactions. Here are some of the major advantages of combining Stripe and Salesforce: Why Businesses Should Consider Salesforce and Stripe Integration Having implemented this integration for various clients, we have seen how it supports efficient operations. Here are a few reasons why businesses should consider this approach: Simplify Payments with Salesforce and Stripe Integration The Stripe and Salesforce integration represents a transformative opportunity for businesses to improve operational efficiency and customer experience. Beyond a simple tool pairing, this integration paves the way for scalable, complex business operations. Successful integration, however, requires knowledgeable professionals who understand the nuances of customization to fit each organization’s unique needs. Reach out to experienced experts to optimize your integration and harness its full potential. 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 Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more
Salesforce, now one of the most influential companies in tech history, was founded by Marc Benioff after his successful tenure at Oracle. Having witnessed the potential of the internet, Benioff realized it would usher in a new era for delivering enterprise software through the cloud. However, this new approach demanded a complete overhaul of traditional business models, marketing strategies, and software development practices. Salesforce would embody this transformation, evolving over the decades into a platform supporting a diverse array of enterprise applications. Today, Salesforce’s flagship initiative is Agentforce, a pioneering wave of AI agents built on the Salesforce platform. This initiative, which I covered in detail earlier this month, exemplifies Benioff’s forward-thinking vision for AI. He passionately argues that Salesforce is well-positioned to lead in this space, and his insights on AI and its potential are as compelling as they are thought-provoking. Before diving into Agentforce and Benioff’s views on AI, it’s important to explore his early life and the founding of Salesforce. Benioff’s path to becoming the CEO of one of the most powerful software companies in the world was shaped by an early interest in technology. His first foray into software development was creating an app called “How to Juggle,” which he sold for $75 to CLOAD Magazine in Goleta, California. This early success marked the beginning of a long career in tech. Benioff went on to establish an Atari game company called Liberty Software and later wrote assembly code for the Mac as part of an internship. Despite his success as a software developer, he transitioned to a leadership role after realizing his interest in the broader business of technology. He credits his time at Oracle, where he learned the intricacies of sales, marketing, and customer communication, as critical to shaping his vision for Salesforce. Oracle, during Larry Ellison’s prime, was an ideal place to hone these business skills, which Benioff would later apply to revolutionize the enterprise software space. With this foundation, Benioff founded Salesforce, a company that has fundamentally changed the way businesses engage with technology. The company’s success lies not just in its cloud-based software, but in its ongoing evolution to address new challenges, including the AI-powered Agentforce initiative, which stands at the forefront of Salesforce’s future growth. Benioff’s journey, from a young programmer to the CEO of a global tech giant, is a testament to his visionary approach and adaptability in an ever-changing tech landscape. Marc Benioff’s early entrepreneurial instincts were evident even before he fully embraced the title of entrepreneur. From a young age, he knew he wanted to build something of his own, though he hadn’t yet honed the full set of skills needed to succeed in business. He had a knack for technology, excelling as a programmer working in assembly code, but his mentors, including university professors and colleagues at Apple, recognized that being an entrepreneur required more than just technical ability. They encouraged him to develop his sales, marketing, and business acumen. His early exposure to these lessons was pivotal in shaping his future trajectory. Benioff’s transition from a programmer to a business leader began when he sought advice from Bill Jost at Apple, who connected him with Gary Gibson, an Oracle executive. After a memorable and unexpected interview, Benioff joined Oracle, starting with a role answering calls at the company’s 800-number. He quickly moved into sales and marketing, eventually working directly with Larry Ellison, who would become a significant mentor over the next 13 years. Benioff’s success at Oracle set the stage for his eventual departure to start Salesforce in 1999. In the mid-1990s, while at Oracle, Benioff had an epiphany while using a web browser. The internet was transforming how software could be delivered, and Benioff saw the potential for a new business model based on cloud computing. At this time, Oracle was focused on the network computer—a vision Benioff did not fully share. After discussing his ideas with Larry Ellison and taking some time off for reflection and research, Benioff recognized that the world was on the cusp of a major shift in technology. He felt compelled to create something new that would leverage the internet, offering software over the web through a subscription model. During his time off, Benioff traveled to Hawaii, reflecting on the future of the tech industry and contemplating ideas. He also experimented with domain names, purchasing You.com and later gifting it to a friend who turned it into a search and AI company. Benioff returned to Larry Ellison to share his vision of a cloud-based business model and later found inspiration from spiritual gurus during a trip to India, who reminded him that success in business should also be grounded in positive values. Benioff’s experience led to the founding of Salesforce with its revolutionary 1-1-1 Model—dedicating 1% of equity, profit, and employee time to philanthropy. Salesforce also embraced emerging technologies such as social, mobile, and AI, and created a new business model through subscription-based services. This combination of technological innovation and a strong sense of social responsibility has set Salesforce apart, attracting both admiration and emulation from other companies. Benioff’s Career Benioff’s career is a testament to the power of surrounding oneself with great people, continuing to learn, and having a clear vision. His leadership at Salesforce has been guided by values he believes are crucial to the company’s success and its ability to make a positive impact on the world. His insights on the Innovator’s Dilemma, a concept popularized by Clayton Christensen, highlight the challenges companies face as they evolve with changing technologies. While Salesforce’s core principles remain intact, the company has continued to adapt to new technology paradigms, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation in the software industry. Marc Benioff (MB) recently shared his excitement about the future of AI and its potential to revolutionize business and technology. He explained that, from a business perspective, this is the most thrilling moment in his career. AI, according to him, will transform how enterprises operate, making them more
Oracle Shifts Focus to B2B CX, Introduces New Fusion Cloud Features Despite winding down its online advertising products, Oracle is doubling down on its investment in customer experience (CX) technology, particularly in enabling B2B buying and supporting subscription and consumption models. During the Oracle CloudWorld conference on Wednesday, the company unveiled new capabilities for its Fusion Cloud Customer Experience and Unity Customer Data Platform. These enhancements empower Oracle CX users to analyze customer profiles to assemble B2B buying teams, leverage generative AI tools like native analytics, and utilize industry-specific accelerators to speed up the adoption of customer data tools. Key features include the ability to create self-service sites for individual accounts, enabling customers to review and summarize contracts using generative AI, receive quotes, and renew subscriptions. Other features enhance “assisted buying experiences,” blending self-service and human interaction, while tools like account onboarding and AI-powered email drafting simplify full-service sales processes. Subscription models, though still in their early stages for B2B, offer a streamlined alternative to traditional procurement processes. As Liz Miller, an analyst at Constellation Research, noted, subscription-based buying is easier and quicker, avoiding the lengthy procurement cycles many B2B buyers are familiar with. “The pain of traditional B2B buying is still fresh in everyone’s mind,” she said. Oracle Advertising Shuts Down Oracle’s advertising product support will end on September 30, as confirmed by CEO Safra Catz during the company’s June earnings call. The Oracle Advertising Data Management Platform (DMP), built from its BlueKai acquisition, is being retired, following in the footsteps of Salesforce, which discontinued its Audience Studio in 2021. Despite Oracle winding down its ad platform, this move shouldn’t be seen as a shift away from customer experience. Oracle founder Larry Ellison remains deeply involved in shaping the company’s CX strategy, with a focus on marketing tools and Apex low-code platforms, said Rob Pinkerton, Oracle’s senior vice president. Oracle’s modernized CX suite, built on the Fusion Cloud platform, has evolved significantly in recent years, though questions remain about whether it’s too late to regain market share. “Oracle as a CX platform has fallen off the radar for many buyers,” said Miller, adding that customers are no longer debating between Oracle, Microsoft, and Salesforce in the CX space. New Industry-Specific Tools for CX Oracle has also expanded its CX platform with industry-specific tools designed to accelerate the adoption of its customer data platform (CDP) across sectors such as high tech, manufacturing, professional services, telecommunications, utilities, financial services, travel, and retail. According to Rebecca Wettemann, CEO of research firm Valoir, Oracle’s Fusion platform has matured significantly and now supports the complexity of modern customer needs. Wettemann highlighted how common components like customer interaction summaries can be adapted for multiple industries, delivering faster results than traditional applications. Oracle’s Clinical Digital Assistant is one such example of this approach, illustrating the platform’s versatility and AI-driven enhancements. With these developments, Oracle continues to refine its CX offerings to better meet the unique demands of B2B customers, providing tools that streamline operations and enhance customer experiences across various industries. 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 Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more
In today’s business world, numerous companies are either adopting or considering the implementation of paid subscription models. A subscription model involves providing products or services to customers on a recurring basis, usually monthly or annually, in exchange for a regular and likely reduced fee. This approach helps companies establish predictable revenue streams, foster customer loyalty, and offer flexibility to customers. Successfully refreshing the pricing strategy for your subscription business requires two essential components: a clear picture of what success looks like and a customer-first approach. Recurring revenue serves as a cornerstone for growth and predictability in business operations. By incorporating Subscription Models, companies can initiate each quarter with a baseline revenue, providing a foundation for continued growth. Customers benefit from flexible payment options, such as pay-as-you-go, facilitating easier commitment to purchases. Subscription Models While building recurring revenue through subscriptions is advantageous, success is not guaranteed solely by its implementation. Traditional billing methods may hinder the full potential of subscription selling, necessitating collaboration between sales and finance teams to introduce new processes and technology to capture maximum value. The first step to refreshing your pricing strategy is to identify what’s not currently working. Signals of dysfunction, such as excessive discounts, constant promotions, and static price rates, indicate areas for improvement. A thorough review of these red flags helps identify the goal of your pricing refresh. Have a clear picture of the metric you are trying to move, whether it’s increasing customers in a particular segment or improving the upsell path. Paralysis of Analysis After the initial analysis stage, many companies find themselves in a state of paralysis. We call that paralysis of analysis. It’s crucial to be cautious with existing customers while applying new pricing to new customers. Set a timeline for when your new subscription pricing will be available to new customers and work backward from there. Pilot your new pricing with both new and existing customers, supporting both old and new pricing in your catalog for testing, iteration, and repetition. For new customers, test the right price point and packaging strategy, then roll it out to all new customers after the launch date. For existing customers, identify those who will benefit from the new pricing strategy and start with them. It’s imperative to pilot your new pricing with both new and existing customers, ensuring a smooth transition. Salesforce’s Next Best Action tool will help you automate this process. The adoption of recurring revenue models extends beyond technology companies. Michelin, for instance, successfully transitioned to a recurring revenue model by charging customers based on mileage instead of selling tires outright. This strategic shift increased profits and maintained Michelin’s competitive edge in the tire industry. This example underscores that any company, regardless of industry, can develop a subscription-based model for their existing lines of business. Recurring Revenue In a subscription model, customers are charged on a recurring basis for a product or service. They choose how long and how often they want to receive each offer, with the option to renew or cancel at any time. This approach creates a contract between the business and the customer, providing a steady and predictable revenue stream. It also has been proven to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction. A subscription business model is one in which customers are charged a recurring fee for access to a product, replacing a one-time expense. This recurring fee is typically paid monthly or yearly, offering customers the flexibility to choose the frequency of their purchases. In some cases customers can even choose the delay period between shipments. 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 Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more
Salesforce in a Higher Education Intelligence Solutions Company Leveraging Salesforce to Support Acquisition and High Organic Growth Industry: Educational Technology Sales Cloud Service Cloud Experience Cloud salesforce higher ed software provider A Higher Education Software Provider, formed via multiple acquisitions, services more than 1,700 higher education institutions with educational solutions for assessment and accreditation planning, learning outcome, ePortfolios, faculty activity reporting, course evaluation and institutional surveys, and curriculum and catalog management. Salesforce higher ed software provider. Salesforce Higher Ed Software Provider PROBLEM SOLUTION RESULT Like Related Posts Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more 50 Advantages of Salesforce Sales Cloud According to the Salesforce 2017 State of Service report, 85% of executives with service oversight identify customer service as a Read more CRM Cloud Salesforce What is a CRM Cloud Salesforce? Salesforce Service Cloud is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform for Salesforce clients to Read more Salesforce Government Cloud: Ensuring Compliance and Security Salesforce Government Cloud public sector solutions offer dedicated instances known as Government Cloud Plus and Government Cloud Plus – Defense. Read more
Salesforce Revenue Cloud serves as an all-encompassing platform meticulously crafted to enhance and simplify the entire revenue management process for businesses. This cloud-based solution provides a centralized system, facilitating effective management of pricing, quoting, and billing operations. The platform, introduced as part of the Salesforce Customer 360 Platform, integrates Configure, Price and Quote (CPQ), Billing, Partner Relationship Management, and B2B Commerce functionalities. Contrary to an out-of-the-box solution, Salesforce Revenue Cloud does not replace enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems but strives to bridge the gap between critical functional departments like sales, partners, operations, and finance. Its introduction at the end of 2020 aimed to assist businesses in better managing revenue streams, enhancing forecasting capabilities, improving efficiencies, and accelerating growth across all sales channels. Salesforce Revenue Cloud, often referred to as CPQ, enables organizations to unify direct sales, partner sales, and eCommerce, package product bundles, handle complex order configurations, produce invoices across multiple channels, collect payments, and manage dunning. The platform’s benefits include streamlined revenue management, improved business agility, real-time access to mobile inventory and data, and the generation of new revenue streams. In addition to these advantages, Salesforce Revenue Cloud offers better insight into customers, maximizes revenue efficiency, builds a superior buyer experience, and reduces missed opportunities by delivering the right product at the right time to the right place. The platform eliminates manual operations, integrates with existing systems and new applications, and expedites the quote-to-cash process. However, it’s essential to consider certain aspects when opting for Salesforce Revenue Cloud, such as its limitations in handling complex billing needs. While Salesforce provides substantial capabilities for recurring revenue and subscription models, it may face challenges with more intricate pricing models, such as dynamic pricing for one-time charges, usage, tiered, subscription, overages, minimum commitments, or others. In conclusion, the collaboration between CRM and marketing departments, fueled by Salesforce Revenue Cloud, propels an increase in sales and enables a comprehensive view of the customer. As businesses demand a 360-degree perspective, the product-specific gap is expected to narrow further, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach across all company departments. 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 Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more
