The standard case management features such as case teams, case queues, and approval processes are useful for various use cases, such as service organizations, call centers, support teams, etc.
Program Manager | Technology Consultant at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees
Case teams, case queues, and approval processes are useful for various use cases.
Pros and Cons
- "Service Cloud provides a best-of-breed cloud-based case management and call center solution."
- "I'd like to see a better UI/UX. It also needs more competitive pricing on the Service Cloud feature licenses."
What is most valuable?
How has it helped my organization?
Service Cloud provides a best-of-breed cloud-based case management and call center solution. It's cost-effective, easily configureable and maintainable, and simple to learn and support.
What needs improvement?
I'd like to see a better UI/UX. It also needs more competitive pricing on the Service Cloud feature licenses.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used it for three years.
Buyer's Guide
Salesforce Service Cloud
February 2026
Learn what your peers think about Salesforce Service Cloud. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2026.
885,264 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
There should be no issues with deployment so long as best practices for Salesforce deployment are followed. I haven't seen any major issues with deployment.
Deployments become more complex when they involve heavy custom development, but for a configuration-based solution, it is very simple.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability is never an issue with the Salesforce platform.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is never an issue with the Salesforce platform.
How are customer service and support?
Customer Service:
Salesforce's customer service is great.
Technical Support:It's great, but I recommend Premier+ support for quick turnaround on issues.
How was the initial setup?
As a SaaS product, Service Cloud is very easy to set up by someone with Salesforce administration skills. There are some features and functionality that are unique to Service Cloud, so it's best to have a certified ServiceCloud Consultant
What about the implementation team?
Whether using a vendor or having your internal team set up the system, make sure that a certified Service Cloud consultant is involved in the analysis and solution-ing of the product, even if you are only using the basic Case functionality through a Sales Cloud license as opposed to a full-fledged Service Cloud feature license.
What was our ROI?
Great ROI on this product, especially if you keep implementation and maintenance costs low through configuration and declarative functionality as opposed to custom code. Basic Case features are available through the standard Salesforce Sales Cloud licensing, and more advanced features such as the Service Console and CTI integration capabilities are available through a Service Cloud feature license.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Try to align your business processes to the native feature sets in the product as much as possible by using the configuration and declarative functionality instead of customizing the solution using code.
Not only will the initial implementation be quicker, ongoing maintenance and support will be cheaper and easier as well.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
There are several Case Management and Call Centre solutions, but the Salesforce product is considered a best-of-breed solution, and is a leading industry product. Compared to Siebel and other case management solutions, Service Cloud is more cost effective and easier to configure.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. My current employer is a strategic partner, but does not resell the product - it only supports implementation of the solutions. I have never worked directly for Salesforce.
Ambassador at a tech company with 501-1,000 employees
It gives us a single view of our customers so both sales support and accounts can see what is happening with the customer.
Pros and Cons
- "If you can get customers to self-serve, this is invaluable and save your customers' time and your staff's time."
What is most valuable?
The Cases and Case Deflection features are the most valuable for us.
How has it helped my organization?
If you can get customers to self-serve, this is invaluable and save your customers' time and your staff's time. Our NPS actually went up when we introduced this as customers loved self-service and our cases went down by 50%.
What needs improvement?
I'd like to see more of a blog feature to allow better updates from our staff and link to it socially. This would save us having to run these through two different systems.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used it for 12-14 months.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
We've haven't yet had any issues with deployment.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's been stable for us.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We've had no problems scaling it for our needs.
How are customer service and technical support?
Customer Service:
Customer service has been great as we're a beta customer.
Technical Support:Technical service has been great as we're a beta customer.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Yes, we were previously using Zendesk as our ticketing/case system. We chose to move to Service Cloud and Community Cloud because we were running our sales side on Salesforce and support on Zendesk. We wanted a single view of our customers so both sales support and accounts could see what was happening with the customer.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward as we were able to set this up in a matter of days.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented all this in-house. As Community Cloud is all template-based and no code is required, this was very simple to set up.
What other advice do I have?
Use the templates for community and use Community Cloud with Service Cloud as they work very well hand-in-hand. Use Case Deflection and the knowledge base articles.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. We work very closely with Salesforce. Our CEO has been the keynote speaker for the AU World Tour mainly on Community and Service Cloud. We have also presented at Dreamforce, doing 10 talks in 2015.
Buyer's Guide
Salesforce Service Cloud
February 2026
Learn what your peers think about Salesforce Service Cloud. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2026.
885,264 professionals have used our research since 2012.
IT Director at a manufacturing company with 501-1,000 employees
Individual service coordinators no longer have to track cases in Excel and have the ability to share workload or centralized services.
Pros and Cons
- "Head count in service management was reduced, department moved into a profitable position, and we increased service business by 30%."
- "There's an issue where creating a repetitive appointment creates two appointments on the first occurrence."
What is most valuable?
- Case creation and tracking
- Workflow automation
- Notifications with templates
- Technician scheduling (using CalendarAnything)
How has it helped my organization?
All cases were tracked in Excel by individual service coordinators and, therefore, they were unable to share workload or centralize services. We used a custom program for technician scheduling that could not be easily expanded to multiple service branches, where only central office had this functionality. All communications (emails) were with individual service coordinators, resulting in inconsistent communications. Service Cloud changed all that.
What needs improvement?
There's an issue where creating a repetitive appointment creates two appointments on the first occurrence.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've used it for more than a year.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
We have no issues with deploying it.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We've had no stability issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We're able to scale it for our needs.
How are customer service and technical support?
Customer Service:
Customer service is excellent.
Technical Support:Technical support is excellent.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We considered purchasing an app for service management, so we evaluated Service Max and JBB Mobile. We did not proceed with either as our company is in the process of implementing SAP.
How was the initial setup?
Setup was straightforward from a data standpoint since we were already using Salesforce Sales Cloud and, therefore, customers and products were already loaded into Salesforce. The main focus of this project was to define new service management processes and configure Salesforce to match the processes.
What about the implementation team?
We used a certified Salesforce systems integrator. I highly recommend using a systems integrator for the initial implementation, ensuring there is sufficient knowledge transfer so that the internal team can support after Go Live.
What was our ROI?
Head count in service management was reduced, department moved into a profitable position, and we increased service business by 30%.
What other advice do I have?
My advice would be to ensure that the business process owners fully understand and support the solution. Don’t let them skip design meetings, or they will question every decision that was made later in the process, causing rework of the configurations.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Implementation Team Lead at a marketing services firm with 501-1,000 employees
We can create Dashboards showing which clients are receiving a high level amount of cases. It would be beneficial to organize the macros into folders.
Pros and Cons
- "Being able to report on the Case data and use it to create Dashboards for our upper level management who are already familiar with Salesforce is important."
- "As a help desk solution, ZenDesk is much better."
What is most valuable?
- The most important feature is the seamless integration with Salesforce data. ZenDesk inserted data when not present, but the integration left something to be desired with many Contact last names of Unknown (which is challenging with deduping). It is important to have the reps directly using Salesforce so they are more inclined to keep Account and Contact data current.
- We haven’t used Salesforce Knowledge, but this would also be beneficial.
- Being able to report on the Case data and use it to create Dashboards for our upper level management who are already familiar with Salesforce is important.
How has it helped my organization?
We can create Dashboards showing which clients are receiving a high level amount of cases or Case Types that trigger a possibility of an issue with the client.
It gives our Account Management team the chance to be proactive and solve any underlying big issues a client could be experiencing (and prevent them from seeking other vendors).
What needs improvement?
- Why is merging Cases not something that comes out-of-the-box? We had to purchase Case Merge Premium to merge our Cases.
- The Macro creation isn’t very user friendly. It would be beneficial to organize the macros into folders also. I think the average support rep without Salesforce knowledge would have issues creating macros.
- When sending a reply email to a client directly from the Detail View of a Case, it will insert your signature at the very bottom of the thread (which no one sees). You have to use the Case Feed to insert your signature below your reply.
- Sending an email from the Case Feed has a character limit (which can be extended, but it is limited). If you have a very long email correspondence with a client, you may need to shorten it in order to send.
- There is no field on the Case to show who the last email correspondence was from. I had to create my own field for this.
- When opening a Case tab in the Service Console and a customer replies to the Case while open, you have to completely refresh the tab to see the recent email to reply to (not automatic). Sometimes a rep may not notice this, go to send an email, and get an error that they need to refresh.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used it for approximately one year.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
There are no issues with deployment at this time.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We've had no issues with stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have no issues with scalability at this time.
How are customer service and technical support?
Customer Service:
N/A
Technical Support:N/A
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were using ZenDesk before being purchased by another company that was using Service Cloud. After we merged orgs, we began using Service Cloud. As a help desk solution, ZenDesk is much better. I've also used Kayako.
How was the initial setup?
We had no issues with the initial setup.
What about the implementation team?
We used a vendor because we were migrating data from another organization at the same time.
What was our ROI?
N/A
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
N/A
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
N/A
What other advice do I have?
Use standard fields/options when possible and keep it simple! Don’t overcomplicate things and make sure to ask support reps what their problem points are and what they need to be successful.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Salesforce Consultant/Developer at a consultancy with 51-200 employees
The whole CRM suite is valuable, and it's a platform upon which to rapidly build applications.
Pros and Cons
- "The whole CRM suite is valuable, and it's a platform upon which to rapidly build applications."
- "Specifically, they need to improve the Knowledge Management module."
What is most valuable?
The whole CRM suite is valuable, and it's a platform upon which to rapidly build applications. The ease with which a customer can get up and running on the CRM functionality for their Call Centers is an awesome thing about Salesforce.
What needs improvement?
Salesforce is always ahead of the curve with new functionalities rolling out every quarter. It does get a little tricky playing around with certain features in Salesforce and you have to get used to it.
Specifically, they need to improve the Knowledge Management module. Right now, managing articles is a pain for administrators especially if an admin needs to maintain thousands of Knowledge Articles in a Salesforce organization. Also, the new revamped UI of Service Cloud that has been introduced as part of Winter '15 release is quite confusing. I hope to see the issues fixed in Spring '16 release.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using it for over four years.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
Not as such. However, Salesforce deployment can appear to be a little overwhelming at first to a beginner, but there are ample tools out there to make it as smooth as butter.
How are customer service and technical support?
It's awesome. You can raise a case for anything. Their support is pretty good.
Plus, the community is so large and helpful that you can just tweet using #askforce, and your questions are answered immediately by the community members.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have been using it since the beginning of my career.
How was the initial setup?
Pretty easy. You can just sign up and start with their out of the box CRM solution right away.
What about the implementation team?
I'm a consultant and it's quite fun to set Salesforce up.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Given the functionality it gives you out of the box, the price is quite competitive and highly customizable per customer's needs.
What other advice do I have?
Try it and you will be awestruck.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Salesforce Technical Specialist at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees
Logging activities and creating opportunities are easier than before.
Pros and Cons
- "Logging activities and creating opportunities are easier than before, and it provides visibility of the sales pipeline."
- "Reporting needs improvement as sometimes we need to export data and work with it in Excel."
What is most valuable?
- Case Management
- Service Cloud Console
- Workflow Rules
- Territory Management
How has it helped my organization?
Logging activities and creating opportunities are easier than before, and it provides visibility of the sales pipeline.
What needs improvement?
Reporting needs improvement as sometimes we need to export data and work with it in Excel.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used it for three years.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
Once set up, we've had no issues with deployment.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We've only had one stability issue in three years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
No issues with scalability.
How are customer service and technical support?
9/10 - Sometimes cases need to be escalated more quickly.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
No other CRM product was used before.
How was the initial setup?
I did not participate in the initial setup.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented it through a vendor team.
What other advice do I have?
If you want to use Enterprise Edition or above and use a complex architecture, look for an experienced consultancy/in-house consultant to set up your organization initially.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Technical Analyst at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
We are are able to customize it in a way we like, although the library could be improved.
Pros and Cons
- "With the implementation of a complete Service Renewal Cycle using Salesforce, their threshold value of conversion got reduced from 1-2 weeks to a single day!"
- "Customer Service: 3/10 Technical Support: 3/10"
What is most valuable?
It is at a very mature stage. We are are able to customize Salesforce so that the we can unleash it in our own way, in a way we like, rather than being confined to doing things their way.
How has it helped my organization?
The business for one of our client was completely based on Excel for renewing the business. With the implementation of a complete Service Renewal Cycle using Salesforce, their threshold value of conversion got reduced from 1-2 weeks to a single day!
What needs improvement?
- Salesforce Community
- Salesforce Sales Cloud
- Content
- Library
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution from more than three years.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
There have been no issues.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
There have been no issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is easy and perfect for scaling.
How are customer service and technical support?
Customer Service:
3/10
Technical Support:3/10
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
One customer switched from Siebel to Salesforce. They did this as Siebel was not adaptable to changing client environments.
How was the initial setup?
It's always easy.
What about the implementation team?
I am part of a vendor team and do the implementations for our customers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is always easy when you get to an account executive for the licenses.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Salesforce only if you're a large business. For mid-level businesses it is quite hard.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Silver Partnership
Solution Architect at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
When I was a sales administrator for about 70 users, we went from needing two full-time administrators to just one part-time administrator. The initial setup was moderately complex, though.
Pros and Cons
- "The Salesforce customer service has been excellent."
Valuable Features
The features we find most valuable are--
- It's easy to customize,
- It's a responsive solution,
- It provides a great user experience, and
- The console is nice, easy to use, and provides relevant and timely data.
Improvements to My Organization
When I was a sales administrator for about 70 users, we went from needing two full-time administrators to just one part- time administrator. It greatly reduces overhead in terms of personnel needed to manage he organization.
Use of Solution
I've used it for about two years.
Deployment Issues
We encountered no issues with the deployment.
Stability Issues
We encountered no issues with stability.
Scalability Issues
We were able to scale without incident.
Customer Service and Technical Support
Customer Service:
The Salesforce customer service has been excellent.
Technical Support:Technical support has been great.
Initial Setup
The initial setup was moderately complex. It requires strong consultant skills to design how you want to process cases.
Pricing, Setup Cost and Licensing
Don't look at just license costs. Factor in infrastructure savings as well as reduced head count needed to support Service Cloud.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. We are a partner and implement Salesforce.com solutions for our customers.
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Salesforce Service Cloud Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: February 2026
Product Categories
CRM Customer Engagement Centers Help Desk Software Knowledge Management Software IT Alerting and Incident ManagementPopular Comparisons
ServiceNow
Microsoft Dynamics CRM
IFS Cloud Platform
JIRA Service Management
Freshservice
BMC Helix ITSM
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
NICE CXone
Atlassian Confluence
Spiceworks
Oracle Fusion Service
SymphonyAI IT Service Management
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Salesforce Service Cloud Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Quick Links
Learn More: Questions:
- What are the biggest reasons for migrating to Salesforce from other CRMs?
- Salesforce.com is positioned in the Leaders Quadrant in the 2014 Gartner report. What are your experiences with it?
- Should we choose Salesforce, SAP CRM, Sugar CRM, inContact, Vocalcom, Oracle RightNow or build our own custom app?
- When evaluating CRM Customer Engagement Centers, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
- What is the best customer onboarding software to work with Temenos T24 (an integrated core banking solution)?
- Why is CRM Customer Engagement Centers important for companies?














