Salesforce Platform vs Salesforce Sales Cloud comparison

Salesforce Platform is a tool that provides application building with open application programming interfaces (APIs), integration tools, back-end services, starter templates, and developer environments. With a low-code interface, users are able to build applications and benefit from automated processes. The product helps customers to increase work productivity and save on IT costs through efficient, easy-to-understand, methods for creating applications.

Salesforce Platform allows companies to build and operate intelligent applications at scale and share them with employees and customers in real time. The tool secures companies' data while connecting and synchronizing it simultaneously across their Customer 360 accounts. The main components of the product are:

• Application development: With low code, companies can build applications faster and automate their businesses.
  
  
• Automation: The product can connect with Salesforce Genie, allowing employees to create seamless processes.
  
  
• Security: The Shield component allows companies to secure their data and build applications.
  
  
• Hyperforce: Companies have the option to scale globally and serve customers locally, providing secure, private, and agile solutions.
  
  
• Einstein Intelligence: Organizations can utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to create personalized experiences for customers, potentially increasing companies’ growth.
  
  
• Sandboxes: Salesforce Platform offers developers secure development environments where they can test, build, and deploy changes before rolling out final products.

Salesforce Platform Features

Also referred to as a “drag and drop app builder," this solution offers various features for customers to create intelligent applications and build personalized services for clients, partners, and employees within the apps.

• Mobile feature: The mobile feature of Salesforce Platform allows users to build applications for mobile as well as turn already-made apps into mobile apps instantly.
  
  
• AI: Through AI, users are able to personalize their applications, utilizing the smart assistant of the platform (called Einstein). The creation of customized services for clients can drive engagement and scale customer experience.
  
  
• Vision feature: The Vision feature also utilizes Einstein Platform, where users can take advantage of Einstein Prediction Builder, Bots, Vision, and Language to create AI-powered applications.
  
  
• Data protection: Salesforce Platform offers a data protection feature called Salesforce Shield. With it, companies can monitor app and data use, automate security policies, run compliance audits, and encrypt sensitive data.
  
  
• Privacy and identity feature: Salesforce Customer Identity is a feature for privacy that offers user access through a single login. The feature provides a seamless user experience while maintaining a high level of security.
• Community feature: The community feature of the product offers a digital experience platform where companies can create secure portals, applications, and websites.
  
  
• Builder feature: The application building feature of Salesforce Platform offers various ways for users to create apps, including through low-code builders and pro-code tools.

Salesforce Platform Benefits

The benefits of using Salesforce Platform include:

• Compared to manual coding products, Salesforce Platform is simpler for beginner users who want to develop a product.
  
  
• The tool requires a low amount of coding, making it a quick and agile way to develop applications.
  
  
• The adaptable design of the platform offers multi-layered security which maintains data accessible to users while protecting it from outside sources.
  
  
• The product can be incorporated with various platforms and coding languages for application development.
  
  
• The platform can be used to create applications compatible with large database systems like MySQL and Oracle.
  
  
• Salesforce Platform allows collaboration between users, as it offers simultaneous access to various users at the same time.
  
  
• Salesforce Platform is compatible with desktop databases such as Microsoft Access.

Reviews from Real Users

A vice president at a healthcare company values Salesforce Platform because it is flexible and user-friendly with helpful pre-built schemas.

Peter G., a senior technical consultant at a tech services company, rates Salesforce Platform highly because it is intuitive, quite easy to learn, and stores all kinds of relevant sales information.

Salesforce Sales Cloud is a comprehensive CRM platform designed for efficient lead management, sales forecasting, and customer engagement, offering extensive customization and cloud-based accessibility.

Aimed at enhancing business efficiency, Salesforce Sales Cloud supports core business processes like CRM, lead and opportunity management, sales forecasting, and customer engagement. Its robust integration capabilities allow seamless connectivity with ERP systems and various applications. The platform offers pipeline tracking, process automation, and advanced sales cycle management. Users appreciate its cloud-based accessibility, allowing teams to operate remotely and manage sales operations effectively. However, users highlight concerns about its complexity, cost, and the need for a more intuitive interface.

• Customization: Tailor the CRM to meet specific business requirements.
• Robust Reporting: Comprehensive analytics and data insights.
• Lead Management: Efficiently manage and convert leads.
• API Integration: Seamless connectivity with multiple applications.
• Cloud Accessibility: Work from anywhere with cloud-based access.

• Enhanced Productivity: Streamline sales processes with automation.
• Improved Collaboration: Facilitate team coordination and client engagement.
• Accurate Forecasting: Make informed decisions with reliable sales forecasts.
• Flexibility: Accommodate diverse industry needs with ease.
• Legacy System Integration: Efficiently update and integrate with existing systems.

Salesforce Sales Cloud is widely implemented across industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail, supporting sales teams in tracking and managing sales operations. Its use extends to reporting, collaboration, and enhancing client interactions, allowing companies to tailor Salesforce to meet industry-specific requirements efficiently.