The Salesforce AppExchange has reached an impressive milestone: 10 million installs! To celebrate, I’ll be writing a three-part blog post! Here, I will explain what the AppExchange is and how it can help you. In the next couple of posts, I’ll share some of my favourite types of Apps and tips for selecting an app. Let’s get started!
What is the AppExchange?
The AppExchange is the marketplace for Salesforce. It is a rich ecosystem, with third-party apps and solutions to suit your needs.
You can also find consultancies and developers to help your projects. It is truly a one-stop shop to help you expand and optimise your Salesforce org!
How does the AppExchange help?
There are many reasons why the AppExchange can help your business and career. Here are some of the top reasons why.
AppExchange benefits for your Business
Solving Challenges, Fast
Every business has unique needs. The AppExchange helps you solve these, fast. There are sometimes exceptions, but it is often advisable not to re-invent the wheel. For example, by using the AppExchange, you are:
- Gaining access to secure, enterprise-ready applications
- Reducing your internal development effort (and cost)
- Reducing the likelihood of complex, technical debt
- Identifying specialists who can help you achieve your goals faster; especially if you go for a custom solution
On-going maintenance, updates and Support
Salesforce has releases 3 times a year. Browsers are updated and security standards evolve. Business needs change and new features are required. These all take time, effort and money to manage.
With the AppExchange, you are able to locate vendors who will help. Whilst you need to do your homework, you can find products which are well supported and maintained. This reduces the on-going overhead for your business. In short, it allows you and internal teams to focus on what you do best.
Reviews
The AppExchange allows you to learn from the experience of others, through reviews. This will help you choose the right product or consultancy for your needs.
Generate Ideas
Looking through the AppExchange can give you ideas! Just like window-shopping, explore what is out there. You may stumble across a product which will make a big difference to your users!
If you don’t have time to research and want ideas sent to you, check out the AppExchange’s newsletter, ‘The Paw‘. This includes information such as featured AppExchange products, ecosystem updates and news.
AppExchange Benefits for your Career
Salesforce professionals benefit from the AppExchange in various ways. These include:
- Career opportunities: working with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) on the AppExchange
- Opportunities to diversify and learn new skills (e.g. exploring new processes and systems)
- Differentiate your CV from others
- Additional certifications and learning
In recent years, ISVs have put increasing emphasis on training and certifications. Salesforce Ben recently wrote a great summary of 10 key app Salesforce Certifications. I would encourage you to take a look. Such skills will make you increasingly valuable.
Summary
The AppExchange is a vibrant ecosystem which can help businesses take their usage of Salesforce to the next level. It can also provide you with valuable skills and knowledge to further your career. Be sure to check out the next couple of posts where I’ll recommend types of apps which I’ve seen make a real difference to businesses.
If you want to be notified of Part 2 and 3, please join the SFDC Penguin LinkedIn Group
Bonus Penguin Fact
Did you know that Penguins do not have teeth? Instead, they have rearward-pointing, keratinized bristles. These bristles are called papillae. They are on their tongues and mouths, which helps them swallow their food (e.g. krill and fish).
Given their food can be slippery, they need all the help they can get! This picture I took at the now closed, Living Coasts (Torquay – UK), shows the papillae of a Macaroni Penguin!
Until next time – thanks for reading! 🐧
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We provide Salesforce implementations as well as build AppExchange apps around salesforce
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Thank you for your reply Jessica! From your experience, do you have any other ways or examples in which the AppExchange has helped your clients achieve their goals? Thanks!