The AppExchange Blog
The AppExchange Blog
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App(s) of the Week: As Seen at Dreamforce!
Nov 23, 2009For this week's App of the Week post, we wanted to highlight all of those apps that were mentioned by customers during AppExchange presentations at Dreamforce. Some of the solutions below are free, some are fee based. Some are brand new and some have been on the site since near inception. ALL are worth a test drive!
Admin Tools
Cloud Converter from Model Metrics
Data Loader from Informatica
Inline Account Hierarchy by Force.com Labs
Mass Update Contact Addresses
OrgView by Dreamfactory
Project & Issue Management
Apps for the Sales CloudPipeline Accelerator by Cloud9
Sales Clarity
Salesforce International Mapping Using Google Maps
Salesforce Mobile
Silverpop
YouCalc CRM Analytics
ZoomInfoApps for the Service Cloud
Surveys by Timba Software
Salesforce for Twitter -
Voice of the Customer: Pete Fife, Silicon Valley User Group Leader
Nov 23, 2009The month's Voice of the Customer post comes from Pete Fife. Pete has worked at 3 different companies as a salesforce.com administrator since 2003 and is the leader of the Silicon Valley User Group.
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I went to Cal Poly SLO and majored in MIS, Management Information Systems. Although I was unaware at the time, this prepared me for my role of salesforce.com administrator at 3 different companies since 2003. I've created certification/training applications, migrated support departments onto the Service Cloud and automated opportunities to orders in Oracle since 2007. I also hold 3 certifications and I'm the longest standing user group leader.
Today, I'd like to talk about AppExchane evolution vs. expansion. Why is the AppExchange such an important part of the Force.com platform? Why does it play a vital part of our success managing salesforce.com at your company? I'm certain if you've been doing this as long as I have you'll agree the AppExchange is something you've turned to (or should be turning to) when looking for a solution.
Overall the AppExchange hasn't evolved very much since inception. When I say 'evolve', I mean the core function of what the site delivers hasn't changed. It is a place where I can find applications to extend our instance of Salesforce or our use of the Force.com platform. The latest evolution included the addition of service listings from an array of consultants, which was brilliant. Just the other day I was asked if I knew anybody that could do a Salesforce to Salesforce migration. Two names came to mind right away and without thinking I rattled them off. However, I had to follow up with a second email and say "Oh hey, you should also take a look at the services listed on the AppExchange!"
The evolution of the marketplace itself continues at a slower pace than the expansion of its inventory as I believe it should. The first year when the AppExchange came out, it was pretty easy to keep track of the new applications. However, now with over 1000 listings, it can be overwhelming (in a good way). When Marc launched the AppExchange, I remember the phrase "long tail effect". To me, this meant that there would be a large number of highly specialized applications and a smaller amount of more generally adopted solutions. If this was the goal for the makeup of applications when they launched the site, I think Salesforce has hit the mark. The listings on the site have now expanded to virtually every niche vertical there is. And you know what? I think that's awesome! Businesses look at their bottom line and we all know if you're selling software, you aim for the majority. Just look at the Apple vs. the PC world. However, Salesforce has changed the game with their platform and guess who is the supporting actress? The AppExchange.
Imagine the iPhone with no App Store. No centralized location where hundreds and thousands of people can go and find those applications that fit their lifestyle. You can't! That's because if there was no App Store, the iPhone wouldn't be as successful. The success of the Force.com platform is based on the AppExchange so don't ignore it, or you may find yourself behind your competition.
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Dreamforce '09: AppExchange Wrap-Up
Nov 23, 2009It's hard to believe that Dreamforce '09 is already over! If you were unable to make it in person or just want a refresher on all-things AppExchange at the conference, here is the full-recap:
DAY 1AppExchange Test Drive Zone & Campground Pod
The AppExchange was hard to miss on the expo show floor. Not only were over 170 of our partners represented but we also featured a Tesla Roadster, the world's first 100% electric high-performance vehicle!
The AppExchange product team and several customer success managers delivered live demos and helped attendees narrow down their app searches. Two key items to check out: our new service listings and category overview pages!
Customer Hero Presentation: Can't Miss Free Apps on the AppExchange
Did you know there are over 300 free applications on the AppExchange? On the afternoon of day 1, Mark Lappin of Bakbone Software delivered a presentation on free AppExchange apps he has found helpful in his role as a director of support applications. Mark is also a co-leader of the San Diego user group and encouraged the audience to bounce new app ideas off their own local user groups. Here is the list of apps he discussed:
OrgView by Dreamfactory
Inline Account Hierarchy by Force.com Labs
Data Loader from Informatica
Surveys by Timba Software
Salesforce for Twitter
Customer Hero Presentation: Increasing Speed to Value with the AppExchange
Before everyone headed over to the Black Crowes concert, Jeff Grosse of Blue Cross Blue Shield gave a presentation on some of his favorite apps from the site. Jeff is an AppExchange All-Star and writes the popular blog CRMFYI. His one piece of advice on how to keep up to date with new apps: set a recurring monthly event in your calendar to go to the site and check out new listings! Here is the list of apps he discussed:
Salesforce International Mapping Using Google Maps
Sales Clarity
Conga Composer
Apttus Contract & Proposal Management
YouCalc CRM Analytics
Cloud Converter from Model Metrics
DAY 2
Partner Session: Optimizing Your AppExchange Listing
Despite the 7:30am start time on Thursday, four partner panelists lead a lively discussion on how AppExchange partners can make their listings top-notch. Many thanks to David Dahlberg (Model Metrics), Gretchen DeKnikker (Genius.com), Pelin Wood Thorogood (InsideView) and Tien Tzou (Zuora) for their participation!
Customer Session: How Salesforce Uses Sites to Build Its Own Sites
Also on Thursday, Ryan Ellis, Senior Product Manager for the AppExchange, gave a great overview of how the site was rebuilt using Force.com Sites. Together with Ed Park and John Mountjoy, Ryan highlighted the advantages of using this technology and also some items to think about when building out your own site. As with all of these sessions, we will provide links to the recordings once they are available!
AppExchange All-Star Reception
In appreciation for their contributions to the site, we hosted a VIP reception for our AppExchange All-Stars. Here's a few shots of some All-Stars and the partner team in action. Thanks again for all of your efforts!
DAY 3
Customer Panel--There's An App for That! Boosting Sales Success with the AppExchange
On Friday morning, we hosted a customer panel focused around AppExchange apps that can specifically help sales execs. Here is the list of apps that were featured. I encourage you to check them out!
Mass Update Contact Addresses
Google International Mapping
Salesforce for Twitter
Genius.com
Salesforce Mobile
Pipeline Accelerator by Cloud9
Project & Issue Management
Account News Feed
ZoomInfo
SilverpopSpecial thanks to our amazing panelists: Jeff Grosse (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota), Jim Malloy (Miyachi Unitek), John McGuigan (Fiberlink), and Brian Vass (Sant Corporation).
We hope those of you who attended the conference had a great experience and that those of you who couldn't make it will be able to attend next year. It truly is a phenomenal event!
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App of the Week Will Return Next Week!
Nov 16, 2009With so many great solutions featured at Dreamforce 2009 this week, we can't just pick one!. We'll be back next week with a full recap of the conference + a list of new apps to take for a spin.
If you are attending the show, stop by the AppExchange pod in the campground and say hello. We'd love to meet you!
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App of the Week: Thunderbird Mail Connector
Nov 9, 2009This week's app of the week is the Thunderbird Mail Connector. This solution was developed by a customer and allows you to add selected inbound or outbound Thunderbird emails to a contact's activities in Salesforce CRM. Additionally, you can associate an email with the appropriate account, opportunity, asset, campaign or case.
While there hasn't been a lot of customer feedback on the solution yet as it is brand new, this was one of the most highly requested apps on IdeaExchange:
Check out the listing and see what you think! Also, you can get more detailed information on the developer's website.
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App of the Week: Visual Relationship Mapping 2.0
Nov 2, 2009This week's app of the week is Visual Relationship Mapping 2.0 from Business Endurance Solutions.
Visual Relationship Mapping allows you to easily create a visual representation of how your contacts and accounts are related to each other within Salesforce CRM:
You can show many to many relationships between leads, contacts, and accounts. You can also rate the strength of these relationships and show multiple degrees of separation.Additionally, the solution allows your users or employees to identify any connection they have with these records. On the top of any Lead, Contact, or Account appears a button that says "I Know You". Users can click on this and specify how they know the person or account (eg. If they were an ex-employee of an account).
VRM delivers a great tool for salespeople to gather more context before they connect with prospects and customers. Additionally, it allows users to leverage internal knowledge from fellow employees.
Check out this brief demo to get the full story.
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Customers' Choice Awards: Help Pick the Best Apps of '09!
Oct 30, 2009With 2009 coming to a close, it's time to start tallying review scores for our 2nd annual Customers' Choice Awards. Last year was a tight race and we ended up with a great group of solutions that spanned 15 categories.
Like the Best of '08 awards, this year's awards are category-based and will be given to the apps that receive the highest combination of:
1. # of User Reviews Posted in 2009
2. Average Star Rating for User Reviews Posted in 2009
In other words: the more good reviews, the better! Help us pick the Best Apps of '09 by posting your reviews today. Your feedback will not only help us narrow down the winners, it will also enable other AppExchange users to find the killer apps that can transform their business.
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View Demos, Learn About New Apps and More at Dreamforce '09
Oct 26, 2009Dreamforce is right around the corner and the AppExchange team couldn't be more excited.
Want to learn more about the site and get ideas for new apps and services you can bring back to the office? Make sure to check out all of these elements and events at the conference!
1. Meet the AppExchange Team in the Campground
Visit the salesforce.com campground in the middle of the expo hall to meet the AppExchange Product Management team. Learn how to use our amazing new site features (like Service Listings) and talk to us about what you'd like to see more of on the site. Additionally, we'll have Customer Success Managers at the ready to help you navigate listings and provide advice on key apps for your business.
2. Choose from over 25 AppExchange Sessions
This year we have over 20 AppExchange partners delivering breakout presentations. Watch live demos from their product teams and hear real-world feedback from customers during these informative sessions. Below is the list of partner presenters broken out by category. Click on the links to learn more about their apps or sign up for their sessions here.
Accounting: CODA
Collaboration Tools: iLinc
Compensation Management: Callidus, Xactly
Contract Management: Apttus, DocuSign
Customer Service & Support: inContact, LiveOps
Email Marketing: Eloqua, Marketo, Silverpop
Forecasting: Right90
Integration: Cast Iron, CRM Fusion, Informatica
Sales Intelligence: InsideView
Service Providers: Appirio, BlueWolf, EDL, FujitsuAdditionally, the AppExchange Product Team will be hosting a sales panel session on Friday morning, 11/20, at 9:00 AM entitled "There's an App for That: How Sales Execs Boost Sales with The AppExchange." Here, you'll gain valuable feedback from experienced sales execs about how they have used AppExchange apps to make their reps more successful. We'll also be raffling off some great prizes (including an Amazon Kindle) so sign up today!
3. Hear from AppExchange Power Users in the Customer Hero Theater
We are very excited to have two amazing customers speak about their use of the AppExchange in the customer hero theater. Make sure to catch their sessions:Session: Can't-Miss Free Apps from the AppExchange
Presenter: Mark Lappin, Worldwide Applications Manager, Bakbone Software
When: Wednesday, November 18th, 1:30 PMSession: Increasing Speed to Value with the AppExchange
Presenter: Jeff Grosse, Senior Project Manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
When: Wednesday, November 18th, 6:00 PM
4. Watch Demos and Learn about other Solutions from 170+ Partners in the Cloud Expo
In addition to the AppExchange partners who will be delivering breakout sessions, there are over 170 additional partners in the Cloud Expo. Make the rounds and find new apps that can help extend your use of Salesforce CRM and the Force.com platform!For the full list of expo partners, click here.
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Voice of the Customer: Jeff Grosse, salesforce.com Power Admin
Oct 26, 2009This month's Voice of the Customer post comes from Jeff Grosse. Jeff is a Senior Business Consultant and salesforce.com administrator at a non-profit health insurance provider. He not only manages salesforce.com applications but he specializes in improving application usability and user adoption. His company currently uses salesforce.com Unlimited Edition primarily for sales and marketing.
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While I've only been working at my current company for a short time, I've been working with salesforce.com for the past four years as a system administrator and in that time, I've developed a complete passion for cloud computing. The primary reason I gravitate towards the cloud is speed to value. I've seen more value derived from salesforce.com applications, faster than any packaged or custom application I've even seen; hands down. Trained and skilled people in business units can customized and maintain their complex business processes in Salesforce with little or no IT involvement; freeing up resources in IT to accomplish other important company goals and projects.The way that I see these skilled business unit people customizing and making Salesforce their own is through some great apps available on the AppExchange. Users don't have to be experts in development to improve the usability of Salesforce. Here are a few examples:
1. Salesforce International Mapping Using Google Maps
Though I've only dabbled in Visualforce so far, that doesn't stop me from providing huge value to my users. This app is extremely easy to use, highly accurate, and helps people not only see where Accounts and Contacts are physically, it also helps them them get directions, right out of Google Maps, right in line with Salesforce using Visualforce components. This is a high value, free application that users can really use, every day and in total, requires no more that 30 minutes to install, configure, and roll out.2. Sales Clarity
There's information hidden in your Salesforce Opportunities. Do you know where it is, what it is, how to aggregate it and how to help Sales Managers have the best, most productive pipeline review meetings they've ever had? Sales Clarity knows. If you haven't tried out Sales Clarity, you should look it over and see what you're missing. One of the best features of Sales Clarity is the trial experience. A sales manager can try it out, seeing his own team's data, safely and securely without any modifications to Salesforce or even an installation from the AppExchange. Sales Clarity won the AppExchange "Best Apps of 2008" award in the category of "Best Sales Forecasting App."3. Conga Merge
If you want to easily output Salesforce CRM data from a whole lot of objects into a custom template with a single click, you need to see what Conga Merge is all about. I may still rank as the creator of the most elaborate Conga Merge template to date. Using Conga Merge, I made it possible for account executives, in one click, to generate a sales review report PDF, log this as an activity on the opportunity, add it as a file attachment to the opportunity, and email it to their manager if they chose to do so. Behind that single click, Conga Merge gathered the data of 27 different Salesforce reports (including 2000+ fields and their representative values), merged the data into a standardized template with a consistent corporate look and feel, and delivered it to the user with essentially no need for training. The users got the data they needed consistently, and every sales manager was working off the same standardized, albeit complex report. I call Conga Merge my "Easy button". Conga Merge won the AppExchange "Best Apps of 2008" award in the category of "Best Document Management App".Each of the apps above offers fantastic functionality to business users that just "plugs into" Salesforce and flat-out works. No complex projects, servers, milestones or even a request for IT resources are needed to put them in place and begin delivering value. Sure, if I had the time, resources, and motivation to build those apps myself I could do it, but I'd have ask myself, why? They've done the work for me so I can look like a rock star.
Jeff blogs about salesforce.com at http://crmfyi.com and created a Salesforce video portal called "The Salesforce Channel" at http://www.salesforcechannel.com/ . You can also follow Jeff on Twitter at http://twitter.com/crmfyi.
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App of the Week: WorkIt! Case Time Tracking
Oct 26, 2009This week's app of the week is WorkIt! Case Time Tracking from the Forecemeister. WorkIt! is a native solution that allows you to track case handling time on the session, user and case level.
The app displays a timer within salesforce.com case records so that a rep can see exactly how long the case is taking to address. You can customize a "Session Type" dropdown menu within the timer box so that the rep can also identify exactly what he or she is doing with the customer or prospect.
As a call center manager, WorkIt! allows you to easily identify which of your reps are performing the most efficiently. Additionally, you can identify problem customers and determine which activities are taking your team the longest to complete.
The app also incorporates some cool features like the ability to warn a rep when they are approaching an unacceptable time limit for closing a case. Similarly, managers can set up workflow to alert them when the handling time for a case has exceeded the acceptable parameters.
Watch this brief demo to see WorkIt in action!
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