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This post is brought by Dorian Sabitov, a 6x Salesforce-certified professional and head editor at SFApps.info. Starting as a CRM admin in 2020, he achieved Trailhead Ranger status with multiple Superbadges while developing practical Salesforce expertise. His work blends technical knowledge with real-world applications, helping businesses optimize their CRM systems. Outside tech, he stays active through boxing and running, with a constant stack of books in progress.

Let’s imagine a grand orchestra performing in a majestic concert hall.

Salesforce is the conductor, orchestrating every note of the performance. It ensures every instrument (sales, marketing, service, etc.) plays in harmony, guiding the tempo of customer relationships, spotting where support is needed, and making sure the audience (clients) gets a flawless experience.

QuickBooks, on the other hand, is the accountant in the back office, quietly balancing the books, tracking every ticket sold, calculating the pay for each musician, managing the cost of lighting and sound, and ensuring the entire performance is profitable and sustainable.

Together, the conductor and the accountant don’t play the same role, but the show can’t go on without either of them. One drives revenue, the other ensures financial clarity, and when they sync well, the entire business performs like a well-rehearsed symphony.

Simple and smooth financial and CRM synchronization isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for staying competitive for any business. This article walks you through the key benefits, step-by-step integration process, and common pitfalls to avoid, helping streamline operations and boost business efficiency. It also provides the latest updated version of all guides for Salesforce QuickBooks integration in 2025.

Reasons and Benefits of QuickBooks Salesforce Integration

The integration between QuickBooks and Salesforce solves critical business challenges by bridging accounting and CRM systems. For companies which use both platforms, this connection:

Automatically syncs invoices, payments, and customer data
Eliminates manual entry errors between departments
Provides real-time financial visibility alongside sales pipelines
Creates accurate customer records with complete transaction history

Implementation complexity varies by business size and systems. Companies with custom workflows or multiple subsidiaries often find value in professional integration support to ensure proper mapping and automation rules are configured.

Key Operational Benefits:

Time Savings: Reduces 15+ hours monthly on manual reconciliations
Data Accuracy: Maintains single source of truth across platforms
Process Efficiency: Automates order-to-cash workflows
Reports: Combines financial and sales metrics in dashboards
Scalability: Grows with transaction volume and business complexity

Step-by-step Guide on Quickbooks Integration with Salesforce

Integrating QuickBooks with Salesforce requires careful planning as the platforms lack native integration. While a DIY approach is possible, many businesses opt for professional implementation to ensure accuracy and efficiency—especially for custom data syncing needs. There are two primary integration methods:

Using apps from Salesforce AppExchange
Utilizing integration tools from QuickBooks’ marketplace
Using MuleSoft integration platform

Note: Companies managing multiple integrations (like Asana with Salesforce for project management-CRM synchronization) may require additional workflow considerations.

Integration via QuickBooks Marketplace Apps

QuickBooks offers dedicated integration solutions through its app platform. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Log in to QuickBooks: Access your company file with admin permissions

QuickBooks Sign in

Step 2: Access the QuickBooks app marketplace

If the “Apps” menu isn’t visible in your left sidebar:

Click “Learn & Support” in the main navigation
Select “Add Apps and Integrations”

QuickBooks Apps

Step 3: Find Salesforce-compatible integration apps

Locate the search bar in the QuickBooks App Marketplace
Enter relevant keywords like:

“Salesforce integration”
“CRM connector”

Review the search results for apps with official Salesforce compatibility

QuickBooks Apps for Salesforce

Step 4. Select your app, install it, and connect both your QuickBooks Online and Salesforce accounts.

Integration via Apps from Salesforce AppExchange

Salesforce’s AppExchange marketplace provides multiple integration apps that streamline QuickBooks connectivity, automating most of the technical work. While these apps include step-by-step setup guides, basic technical familiarity helps ensure smooth configuration.

How to set it up:

Click “Get It Now” to install your chosen app in Salesforce.
Follow the in-app instructions to connect your QuickBooks account.
Customize sync preferences (e.g., data types, update frequency).

Integration via MuleSoft

MuleSoft provides a streamlined solution for connecting QuickBooks with Salesforce, automating bidirectional data synchronization between the platforms. The integration eliminates manual duplicate entry by seamlessly transferring customer records, invoices, and payment information. Leveraging pre-built connectors and customizable templates, MuleSoft enables rapid deployment with real-time data visibility across both systems. This automated workflow enhances data accuracy, reduces administrative workload, and delivers unified financial and sales reporting.

The most common approaches for integrating Salesforce and QuickBooks typically involve using either Salesforce’s AppExchange, QuickBooks’ own app marketplace, or the MuleSoft integration platform. While the specific applications may differ between platforms, the integration process generally follows the same fundamental sequence: first installing the chosen application, then authenticating both your Salesforce and QuickBooks accounts, configuring your preferred data synchronization settings, and finally activating the connection to begin syncing your data between systems. Each method provides distinct advantages depending on your business requirements and technical capabilities.

For organizations without a dedicated technical team or specialists experienced in CRM integrations, hire Salesforce Quickbooks integration services may be worth evaluating to handle initial setup and ongoing maintenance.

Pitfalls and Challenges of Salesforce Quickbooks Integration

Integrating Salesforce and QuickBooks presents several hurdles due to their lack of native compatibility. Businesses often face data synchronization problems, complex setup requirements, and scalability limitations, requiring third-party tools or expert assistance. Below, we break down the key challenges and their solutions.

Challenge #1: No Native Integration
Salesforce and QuickBooks weren’t built to connect directly, forcing businesses to rely on middleware or custom solutions.

Solution:

Use dedicated integration apps to automate data flow.
For advanced customization, hire integration specialists to tailor the connection.

Challenge #2: Data Sync Errors

Even with integration tools, mismatched records, delays, or failed syncs can disrupt workflows.

Solution:

Opt for tools with real-time sync to maintain accuracy.
Regularly audit data mappings to catch discrepancies early.

Challenge #3: Custom Field Mapping

Unique business fields in Salesforce often don’t align with QuickBooks’ structure, causing gaps.

Solution:

Use tools to manually map custom fields.
Define clear data rules before integration to minimize mismatches.

Challenge #4: Permission Conflicts

Differing user roles in Salesforce and QuickBooks can block access to critical data.

Solution:

Align user permissions across both systems during setup.
Restrict sensitive financial data to authorized teams only.

Challenge #5: Scalability Limits

Basic integrations may struggle with growing transaction volumes or complex workflows.

Solution:

Choose enterprise-grade tools (e.g., MuleSoft) designed for scalability.
Plan for periodic maintenance to adapt to new business needs.

Conclusion

For modern businesses, Salesforce QuickBooks integration has evolved from a convenience to a critical efficiency driver — saving 10-15 hours monthly by automating invoicing, payments, and customer data sync while eliminating manual errors. This 2025 guide outlines two robust approaches: leveraging AppExchange apps or QuickBooks marketplace tools, with MuleSoft offering enterprise-grade scalability for complex workflows. While challenges like data mismatches or permission conflicts persist, solutions like custom field mapping and real-time sync tools mitigate risks—making professional integration services a wise choice for businesses lacking technical resources. As transaction volumes grow, prioritizing scalable, auditable integrations ensures your systems evolve with your business. The bottom line? Smooth Salesforce QuickBooks integration isn’t just about connecting systems—it’s about fueling growth through unified data.

What to do when Storage Limits Hit Hard

By Siddharth Sehgal

On May 19, 2025

In Post

This post is brought to you by Siddharth Sehgal, founder & CEO of 360 Degree Cloud, a Salesforce Summit Partner. He built the 360 SMS, and CTI apps, top Salesforce-native communication tools, and leads a team of 900+ experts. With 15+ years in CRM, he’s a pioneer in cloud solutions and digital communication.

We run a Salesforce platinum consulting company based in India and have many stories to share. One of the most interesting ones led to the birth of our youngest child.

It started like it does for most growing companies—quietly, almost invisibly.

A client of ours, a long-time user of our CTI and SMS apps, was scaling rapidly. More calls meant more recordings. More records meant more attachments. Everything was getting logged neatly inside Salesforce, just the way it should be.

Until one day, it wasn’t.

When their annual Salesforce renewal rolled around, they were hit with a number they hadn’t seen coming:
900 GB of file storage used.
180 GB was all they were allocated.

They were 5X over the limit.

And then came the ultimatum:
Delete the files, or
Pay $5 per GB, per month for the excess—
That’s $3,600/month, just to keep their own data.

Panic set in. They had just 24 hours to respond.

What Could’ve Gone Wrong

1. Operational Standstill

Salesforce stops accepting new files once storage limits are exceeded. No new call recordings, no new attachments, no file uploads.
This means:
- CTI logs fail to save.
- Case files can’t be attached.
- Support agents lose access to critical documents.
Business continuity is directly impacted.

2. Mass Deletion of Files

If the client had chosen the delete option, they would’ve faced:
- Loss of historical data (call recordings, contracts, customer communications).
- Compliance issues (especially in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, or legal).
- Teams scrambling to find backups (which likely don’t exist in usable formats).

3. Surprise Financial Drain

Going with Salesforce’s pricing:
900 GB – 180 GB = 720 GB excess × $5/GB = $3,600/month,
or $43,200/year.
That’s a recurring cost, not a one-time hit.
Over 3 years, that’s over $130,000—for just storage.

4. Broken Integrations & Workflows

File-based automations and process builders in Salesforce would begin to fail.
Anything relying on file uploads (e.g., post-call documentation, quote generation, compliance checks) would start to error out.
Users would experience broken flows and failed tasks, reducing productivity and increasing frustration.

5. Customer Escalations & Reputation Loss

If sales or support reps can’t access historical call logs, documents, or customer history:
- Response quality dips.
- SLAs are breached.
- Customers lose trust.
Imagine a key client asking for a call recording… and you can’t provide it because it was deleted.

6. Security & Compliance Risk

Quick deletions or rushed file migrations can result in:
- Data loss
- Misplaced confidential files
- Violation of data retention policies
- GDPR or HIPAA fines if data wasn’t handled properly.

7. Internal Chaos & Blame Games

IT and Admins are blamed for not anticipating the issue.
Sales and Support blame system limitations.
Leadership panics over budget allocation and reputational damage.

8. Delayed Renewals or Upsells

With Salesforce storage full and file systems unstable, it’s difficult to:
- Onboard new customers.
- Close larger deals that involve extensive documentation or compliance checks.

Revenue suffers.

🔧 Enter 360 File Sync: A Storage Rescue Mission

We jumped in immediately with our Secret Missile that we had already been building for this day – to rescue our clients from storage limits. In under a day, we deployed 360 File Sync directly into their Salesforce org.

But what we delivered wasn’t just a quick fix. It was a complete transformation.

Auto-Sync & Sync Delete

The first step? Offload.

All files—call recordings, documents, attachments—were auto-synced to the client’s existing storage platforms: Google Drive, OneDrive, AWS S3 and SharePoint. No manual downloads. No dragging and dropping. It all happened behind the scenes, smartly and securely.

They could now choose where to store what, and even split storage across different platforms for different departments.

2-Way Sync

Here’s where the magic happened.

Even though the files were moved out of Salesforce, the client’s team could still see and access them within the Salesforce UI—just like before.

No storage used. No change in workflow.
It looked and felt the same. But behind the scenes, Salesforce was no longer carrying the weight.

Parent-Child Sync

To top it off, 360 File Sync preserved every folder structure, relationship, and metadata tag. It wasn’t just about moving files—it was about moving them without losing their context.

No mess. No manual sorting. Everything stayed exactly where it belonged.

What started as a crisis turned into a turning point. They didn’t just avoid a $3,600 monthly bill—they gained a scalable, flexible file management system that freed them from Salesforce’s storage limitations for good.

The Result?

No downtime
No broken workflows
No data loss
No storage bill shocks
And a much more scalable, efficient system

The Takeaway

In the race to digitize everything, file management is often overlooked. But as this story shows, storage can become your silent bottleneck if left unchecked.

360 File Sync doesn’t just save space. It:

Gives control
Reduces cost
Enhances visibility
Improves compliance
And unlocks operational efficiency inside Salesforce

This wasn’t just about solving a storage problem.

It was about giving permanent control back into the hands of the customer.

GenAI and Programming: A Journey Through Creativity and Change

By Enrico Murru

On January 25, 2025

In Post

For months now, I’ve been exploring various Generative AI tools, primarily for coding, and I can confidently say I’ve never had this much fun.

I’m a nerd, I admit it, and I don’t consider myself a great programmer. For me, programming has always served two purposes:

To have fun – Yes, I know it may sound strange, but coding relaxes me.
To create something that didn’t exist before – Programming is my canvas for painting (and trust me, for someone with no artistic talent, it’s a real gift). Sure, I won’t create a Cézanne or a Picasso, but I can still craft something unique.

^{A symbolic representation of the fusion of creativity and technology, showing a programmer at a futuristic desk surrounded by glowing holographic tools and floating code. The scene includes vibrant artistic elements, like a palette with paintbrushes merging into digital interfaces, and a serene, slightly dreamy atmosphere that conveys inspiration. The background has an abstract mix of technological and creative themes, like circuits blending into artistic brushstrokes. The person at the desk appears motivated and immersed in their work, embodying innovation and exploration.}

When I started using GenAI, its initial impact was “just” to speed up my work. On the surface, that’s useful, but it was also a bit disappointing: coding, for me, is the creative moment, not just a means to an end.

Then came a breakthrough: I realized that GenAI is not just an accelerator but an amplifier of ideas. It allowed me to bring to light solutions and concepts that would otherwise have stayed hidden in the back of my mind. Now, whenever I have a free moment, I find myself transforming an idea into a proof of concept using tools like ChatGPT or Claude. Things that used to take days to develop now come to life in just minutes, bringing me closer to those “masterpieces” that once seemed unattainable.

In the past two months alone, I’ve created at least 15 new GitHub repositories, along with countless temporary folders filled with scripts and flows to solve problems that would previously have required hours of development. It feels like programming has become pure fun again.

But this world moves at a hypersonic pace. After months of deliberating over which GenAI tool to adopt (OpenAI or Anthropic? It doesn’t matter), I decided to dive in and experiment. Once inside, I realized that in this field, doing matters more than overthinking.

And that’s the point: change is happening so fast that falling behind is no longer just a missed opportunity but a brake on professional growth.

I still see so many people—colleagues, friends—who are unable or unwilling to embrace this revolution. More evangelization and dialogue are needed. With @Salesforce Sidekicks Podcast, @Pietro and I are trying to raise awareness in our tech ecosystem on these topics, including initiatives like the first Salesforce Salary Survey we launched at the end of 2024. And who knows, this might even become my mission in the coming years: helping others unlock the potential of these technologies without fear, but with awareness.

Now, I’d like to ask you: how are you experiencing this change? How much do fun, excitement, fear, or a sense of inadequacy play into your personal or professional experience?

Sharing our approaches and emotions could help us build a true manifesto for the conscious adoption of AI.

Would you like to contribute?

I’m hyped beyond belief! 🤪

2025 Salesforce MVP Nominations Are Open!

By Enrico Murru

On January 16, 2025

In Post

The Salesforce community has always been a place of inspiration, collaboration, and innovation, thanks to the incredible individuals who go above and beyond to share their knowledge and support others. Now is the time to honor those exceptional Trailblazers: the 2025 Salesforce MVP nominations are live!

What Is the Salesforce MVP Program?

The Salesforce MVP program, established in 2010, celebrates individuals who embody the core values of the Salesforce ecosystem:

Expertise: They demonstrate deep knowledge of Salesforce products and willingly share insights through blogs, podcasts, webinars, community forums, and events.
Leadership: They take initiative by leading local user groups, organizing community events, and supporting initiatives like MVP Office Hours, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
Generosity: They serve as mentors and connectors, freely sharing their time, resources, and expertise to uplift others in the community.

MVPs are the heart of the Salesforce ecosystem, making it vibrant and welcoming for all.

How to Nominate an MVP

Nominations for the 2025 Salesforce MVP program are open from January 14 to February 7, 2025. Anyone can submit a nomination – whether it’s for a fellow Trailblazer who has made a difference in your journey or even for yourself.

Steps to Nominate:

Visit the official nomination form here: https://nominations.salesforcemvps.com/s/start
Fill in the required details about your nominee and explain why they deserve to be a Salesforce MVP.
Submit the form before the deadline on February 7, 2025.

Key Points to Note:

Current Salesforce MVPs do not need to be re-nominated, as they undergo an annual renewal process.
Salesforce employees are not eligible for this program.
The new class of Salesforce MVPs will be announced in June 2025.

Learn More About the MVP Program

For detailed information about the Salesforce MVP program, its history, and the nomination process, visit the official MVP page here: https://www.salesforce.com/blog/mvp-nominations.

Let’s Celebrate Our Trailblazers!

The Salesforce ecosystem thrives because of its incredible community members who lead, inspire, and generously share their expertise. Let’s take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate their contributions.

Do you know someone who fits the bill? Nominate them today and help shape the next class of Salesforce MVPs!

Revamping Your CV with AI

By Enrico Murru

On December 24, 2024

In Post

Your CV is more than a list of accomplishments—it’s your professional story, a snapshot of who you are and where you’re headed. Recently, I embarked on a mission to transform my CV into something that truly reflects my journey. In this blog post, I’ll share the process, the decisions I made, and some practical tips to help you revamp your own CV using generative AI.

A felt art-style illustration of a person enthusiastically showing their curriculum vitae to a futuristic artificial intelligence robot. The person is crafted from felt textures with stitched details, holding a document labeled 'CV,' while the robot, designed with soft felt materials and glowing felt-like lights, examines the document. The background is a minimalist office environment created from colorful and layered felt, giving a cozy and creative vibe. — _PROMPT:_{A felt art-style illustration of a person enthusiastically showing their curriculum vitae to a futuristic artificial intelligence robot. The person is crafted from felt textures with stitched details, holding a document labeled ‘CV,’ while the robot, designed with soft felt materials and glowing felt-like lights, examines the document. The background is a minimalist office environment created from colorful and layered felt, giving a cozy and creative vibe.}

Step 1: Assessing the Old CV

Prompt Example: “Analyze my CV and identify areas where the content could be more concise and focused.”

My previous CV was comprehensive but overwhelming. It had years of experience, certifications, and achievements packed into multiple pages. While it showcased everything I’ve done, it lacked focus and a clear narrative.

^{A 3 ton CV is not the better way to showcase yourself}

Key Takeaway: Look at your CV from a recruiter’s perspective. Is it easy to scan? Does it highlight your most relevant skills?

Step 2: Defining the New Structure

Prompt Example: “Create a two-column CV layout with a sidebar for key details and a main section for professional experience.”

To make my CV concise and impactful, I decided on a modern, two-column layout:

Left Sidebar: Key information like contact details, skills, certifications, and education.
Main Section: Professional summary, experience, and notable projects.

This layout ensures that critical information is easy to find while leaving room to showcase the depth of my work.

Step 3: Streamlining Content

Prompt Example: “Summarize my CV to fit within one page, prioritizing Salesforce expertise, certifications, and major achievements.”

I focused on relevance, keeping the most impactful accomplishments and skills. For example:

Highlighted my Salesforce MVP status and key certifications.
Consolidated roles and projects into clear, bullet-pointed lists.

I also added a “Professional Summary” at the top to give a quick overview of who I am and what I bring to the table.

Step 4: Adding Personal Touches

Prompt Example: “Add a circular profile picture placeholder and language proficiency details to the sidebar.”

To make the CV feel more personal, I:

Included a circular profile picture in the sidebar.
Listed language proficiencies.
Used bold formatting for key details, ensuring easy readability.

Step 5: Creating a Digital-First Version

Prompt Example: “Convert this CV into a responsive HTML layout with a two-column design.”

To future-proof the CV, I converted it into an HTML format. This allows for:

Easy updates.
Seamless PDF generation.
A design that stands out from traditional word-processed CVs.

Using online tools and experimenting with AI-driven design enhancements helped ensure the CV was both professional and modern.

Step 6: Iterating on Design

Prompt Example: “Refine the design by adding internal margins and ensuring font consistency.”

I refined the design by:

Adding internal margins for a polished look.
Ensuring consistency in font size and spacing.
Choosing a subtle background for the sidebar to visually separate it.
You choose the refinement you prefer

The final version is way more readable and concise than the original one.

Final Thoughts

Revamping my CV was a rewarding process that forced me to reflect on my career journey and how I present myself. Leveraging AI tools played a crucial role in keeping the CV updated with relevant changes, ensuring it stays fresh and impactful. Here’s what I learned:

Focus on Impact: Highlight what makes you unique and relevant to your target roles.
Design Matters: A clean, modern layout can make all the difference.
Be Adaptable: Creating a digital-friendly format ensures your CV stays versatile and future-proof. AI tools can automate updates, suggest enhancements, and maintain relevance, making it easier to reflect your most up-to-date skills and achievements.

Experimenting with tools, including generative AI, allowed me to test different layouts and prioritize what mattered most in my professional story.

If you’re thinking about updating your CV, start with a clear vision of what you want it to achieve. And don’t be afraid to experiment with new formats and ideas!

Unveiling Agentforce 2.0: The Next Frontier in Digital Labor

By Enrico Murru

On December 19, 2024

In Post

Salesforce has once again revolutionized enterprise technology with the launch of Agentforce 2.0, announced by Marc Benioff in an engaging presentation. This platform sets a new benchmark in the era of digital labor, positioning itself as a transformational tool for businesses worldwide.

In this article, I will provide a summary of what was announced during the event with Mark Benioff and share my personal insights on what AgentForce is and what it could become in the future.

Highlights of Agentforce 2.0

Proactive Digital Labor

Unlike traditional co-pilots that are reactive, Agentforce 2.0’s proactive agents take initiative. These agents preemptively resolve customer issues, ensuring a seamless experience by addressing cases even before they arise.

Beyond CRM Integration

Agentforce 2.0 extends its capabilities far beyond Salesforce’s CRM ecosystem. It integrates with external systems such as SAP, Workday, and APIs, enabling enterprise-wide workflows that bridge operational silos.

Modular Skills Framework

The platform introduces a modular Skills Framework, allowing agents to handle specialized tasks across various business domains, including sales, service, and marketing. This framework also supports multi-agent collaboration, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Atlas Reasoning Engine

Agentforce’s upgraded Atlas Reasoning Engine ensures accuracy and trust by:

Using semantic understanding for structured and unstructured data.
Employing reflection and inference to refine decision-making.
Offering transparency with citations and explainable AI-driven insights.

Seamless Collaboration with Slack

Agentforce’s deep integration with Slack turns it into a collaborative workspace where agents and humans interact naturally. This real-time teamwork drives productivity and innovation.

Enhanced Testing and Trust

The new Testing Center ensures agent reliability and consistency, providing guardrails for deployment and updates. Combined with the Data Cloud, Agentforce 2.0 emphasizes governance, privacy, and security while delivering context-aware solutions.

Agentforce 2.0 in Action

The presentation showcased how businesses can quickly deploy agents using the Agent Builder tool. For example, Adecco uses Agentforce to process 300 million job applications annually, automating complex workflows like candidate qualification and interview scheduling. With natural language input and seamless integration across enterprise systems, Agentforce empowers users to achieve unprecedented efficiency.

Potential Risks of Agentforce 2.0

Now the triky part. While Agentforce 2.0 promises significant advancements, there are potential risks that businesses must consider.

Dependence on AI Systems

Heavy reliance on AI-driven agents could lead to operational challenges if the system experiences downtime, data breaches, or unforeseen errors. Thanks to the Trust Layer and Salesforce platform high security features, you can chill out. If you are a customer make sure your implementation partner is aware of these potential pitfalls and face them with the right attention: the platform is secure enough, but it’s the way you implement agents that matter (and you should evaluate with attention customer needs before activating Agentforce, follow best practices in coding, flows and prompt engineering).

Data Privacy Concerns

Integrating vast amounts of enterprise data, including customer information, raises privacy and compliance concerns. Proper governance and adherence to data protection laws are critical. Make sure DPOs are aware of Salesforce security features and its committment to adhearing GDPR and lat EU AI Act (see the Salesforce Regulations Whitepaper).
Again, Salesforce commits to respect regulations, but implementation partners are required to adhere to regulations as well when implementing and delivering your AI solutions. Make sure your DPOs are always on the loop!

Implementation Complexity

Despite its no-code/low-code capabilities, deploying Agentforce 2.0 across diverse systems and workflows may require significant upfront investment and expertise.

AgentForce is presented as a way to create intelligent and proactive agents using no-code or low-code approaches. This is true, but it’s important to first consider that enabling an AgentForce channel—especially when it involves a customer-facing channel like Experience Cloud—requires a significant amount of work and planning to integrate with the company’s primary communication channels.

Secondly, while it’s true that pre-built agents are available to get started with AgentForce, it’s equally true that, as we frequently see as implementation partners, clients’ business processes often vary, especially in countries outside the United States. This makes it necessary and crucial to customize and personalize AgentForce’s behavior, both in terms of the topics it can handle and the actions it can perform within the CRM.

This introduces a series of potential challenges:

It’s essential to write prompts that are effective, efficient, and above all, secure and understandable—both for the AI and for the clients or users interacting with it.
We must also remember that AgentForce can execute code or flows in ways that might not always adhere to org-wide sharing rules, sharing settings, or user profiling constraints. This could lead to significant issues if, for example, AgentForce executes code that bypasses visibility rules when interacting with an external user, potentially causing a dangerous data leak.

Therefore, it’s critical to first understand the agent’s requirements, correctly contextualize them based on business needs, and, most importantly, conduct extensive testing. While enabling an agent might technically be quick, the planning and testing phases could take a considerable amount of time.

Job Displacement Fears

As automation reduces the need for manual tasks, organizations may face resistance from employees concerned about job security.

Every revolution brings with it doubts about the future, as it can lead to either positive or negative outcomes. Consider the discovery of nuclear energy: the nuclear revolution brought significant benefits, such as the ability to produce energy through nuclear reactions, but it also had profoundly negative aspects, such as the development of nuclear weapons.

I recall an episode shared during an AI workshop about the period following the Industrial Revolution, when automobiles were invented. Those whose profession was driving horse-drawn carriages faced the risk of losing their jobs entirely, replaced by automated tools like cars that no longer required the skill of handling a horse. Who benefited from this shift? Those who decided to learn how to drive a car and became automobile drivers, seizing a new market opportunity that not everyone could initially see.

The issue of autonomous agents, a very recent development that will likely see significant advancements in the coming months—or even weeks—clearly raises concerns about potential job losses. However, these agents should be viewed as tools that enhance the capabilities of contact centers. I don’t believe that millions of jobs will be lost; instead, jobs will be redefined, and the nature of work will evolve.

It’s too early to predict exactly what will happen, but just as the automobile transformed work, these agents will do the same. Their primary function will be to reduce the need for human intervention in solving low-level problems, enabling humans to focus on more complex tasks—and who knows what else the future holds.

Ethical Considerations

AI decision-making, especially in sensitive areas like healthcare and finance, must be transparent and unbiased. Missteps could lead to reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny.

The Trust Layer and Atlas reasoning engine are the efforts to reduce these potential bias and deliver a more accurate than ever result.

What It Means for Customers

Agentforce 2.0 introduces a paradigm shift for businesses by:

Enhancing Productivity: Automating repetitive tasks allows employees to focus on high-value activities.
Improving Scalability: Organizations can expand operations without increasing headcount.
Boosting Revenue: Companies have reported significant efficiency gains and revenue growth with Agentforce implementations.

Opportunities for Partners

Salesforce’s partner ecosystem can harness Agentforce 2.0 to deliver tailored solutions for customers. The Skills Framework and Testing Center provide ample opportunities to develop industry-specific agents, from healthcare to retail. Partners can also integrate their tools into the platform, creating a seamless value chain for their clients.

A Glimpse into the Future

Marc Benioff hinted at the upcoming Agentforce 3.0, scheduled for release in May, which promises even greater innovation. Salesforce’s commitment to sustainability, trust, and customer success ensures that Agentforce will continue to define the future of digital labor.

Partners have a unique opportunity to shape the future evolution of AgentForce. By expanding its functionalities and making them available to their clients—whether by integrating currently unsupported features or leveraging existing ones—partners can make a real difference and position AgentForce as the future of CRM.

Let’s reflect together: the future will be heavily influenced by the advancements of Generative AI across all aspects of our lives, from work to leisure. Consider, for instance, the technological progress in code generation. In the future, AgentForce might be capable of writing code autonomously. This means that the role of developers and programmers will likely shift toward verifying functionality, testing the outputs generated by AgentForce, and guiding it toward the correct solution—a trend we are already witnessing today.

As partners, we carry the responsibility of creating solutions that are correct, secure, effective, and efficient. But more importantly, as we are in the Salesforce Trailblazer community, we have the duty to make this technology accessible to everyone—not just in terms of implementation but also in terms of knowledge and understanding.

Conclusion

Agentforce 2.0 is more than an AI platform; it’s a revolution in how businesses operate. By combining advanced AI, seamless integration, and a robust governance framework, Salesforce has set a new standard for enterprise technology. For customers, it’s a tool for scaling operations and delivering exceptional experiences. For partners, it’s an opportunity to co-create the future of work.

Salesforce FY25 Q3 Performance Deep Dive – A Journey of Innovation and Growth, and market confidence over 3 quarters

By Enrico Murru

On December 11, 2024

In Post

With Q3 earnings just released, it’s a great time to look back at the first three quarters of the year and see the consistent themes driving Salesforce’s success. This blog post will break down key results for each quarter, explore how they impacted the stock market, and highlight the strategic priorities shaping Salesforce’s trajectory.

Key Metrics Demystified

For those new to financial reporting (like me), here’s a breakdown of some key terms used throughout this post:

Revenue: Total money Salesforce earned from products and services before subtracting costs. It’s the “top line” of a business.
GAAP vs. Non-GAAP:
- GAAP: Standard accounting rules, including all costs (e.g., stock-based compensation, acquisitions).
- Non-GAAP: Adjusted to exclude certain costs, offering insight into recurring business performance.
  More details explained here
Operating Margin: Profitability indicator; the higher the margin, the more efficient the business operations.
Cash Flow: The actual money moving in and out of the business.
Operating Cash Flow focuses on cash generated by daily operations.

Q1 FY25: Building the Foundation for AI and Digital Transformation

Revenue: $9.13B (+11% YoY)
Operating Margin: GAAP 18.7%, Non-GAAP 32.1%
Cash Flow: $6.25B (+39% YoY)

Key Highlights:

Salesforce emphasized its leadership in AI, leveraging its Customer 360 platform to deliver tailored AI-driven insights for businesses.
Strong cost management played a critical role, enhancing margins and supporting profitability.
The rollout of Customer 360 updates boosted customer retention and subscription growth.
💡 R&D Investment: Salesforce allocated $1.37B to R&D in Q1, focusing on foundational AI advancements and platform updates.
📈 Stock Market Impact: The positive results led to a modest uptick in Salesforce’s stock, signaling investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.

A chart comparing Q1 FY25 revenue, margins, and cash flow with Q1 FY24, highlighting YoY growth percentages.

Q2 FY25: Expansion and Innovation in the Face of Challenges

Revenue: $9.33B (+8% YoY)
Operating Margin: GAAP 19.1%, Non-GAAP 33.7%
Cash Flow: $0.89B (+10% YoY)

Key Highlights:

The launch of the Agentforce AI platform, an enterprise automation tool, positioned Salesforce as a leader in digital labor transformation.
Growth was further driven by Slack integrations, enhancing collaboration across industries.
Salesforce expanded its footprint in APAC and EMEA markets, balancing slower growth in other regions.
💡 R&D Investment: Salesforce invested $1.35B in R&D during Q2, focusing on innovations like Agentforce and regional-specific product enhancements.
📈 Stock Market Impact: Salesforce’s steady performance helped maintain stock stability, reassuring investors about the company’s long-term potential.

Q3 FY25: Scaling New Heights with AI and Industry-Specific Solutions

Revenue: $9.44B (+8% YoY)
Operating Margin: GAAP 20%, Non-GAAP 33.1%
Cash Flow: $1.98B (+29% YoY)

Key Highlights:

Salesforce’s vertical-specific solutions, such as those for healthcare and financial services, saw record adoption.
Partnerships with AWS and Google Cloud deepened, expanding the ecosystem’s reach and usability.
The rise of Agentforce AI underscored Salesforce’s ability to combine innovative technology with market-specific needs.
💡 R&D Investment: In Q3, Salesforce dedicated $1.36B to R&D, driving advancements in AI and tailored industry solutions.
📈 Stock Market Impact: Following the strong Q3 earnings, Salesforce’s stock surged by 11%, reflecting heightened investor enthusiasm for its financial performance and strategic vision.

Stock Market Performance Across FY25

Salesforce’s stock has risen by 26% in FY25, closely correlating with its earnings announcements:

Q1: Modest gains as investors responded positively to strong financials and AI advancements.
Q2: Stability with consistent results and growth in international markets.
Q3: A significant 11% surge following impressive earnings, highlighting growing investor enthusiasm for Salesforce’s innovation in AI and vertical solutions.

A line graph tracking Salesforce’s stock performance alongside its quarterly earnings announcements.

Key Trends and Future Outlook

AI at the Core: Salesforce’s leadership in AI, particularly through Agentforce, is helping businesses redefine efficiency and customer engagement.
Strategic Investments: Over $4 billion in R&D across FY25 has solidified Salesforce’s position as a leader in AI and innovation.
Operational Excellence: Disciplined cost management and a focus on profitability have enabled Salesforce to balance innovation with strong margins.
Stock Confidence: A 26% stock rise in FY25 underscores investor confidence in Salesforce’s financial performance and strategic priorities.

Salesforce’s R&D investments, revenue, and stock price over time

Looking Ahead

With Q4 guidance targeting $9.90B–$10.10B in revenue and full-year revenue of $37.8B–$38.0B (+8–9% YoY), Salesforce is on track for a standout FY25. Beyond the numbers, Salesforce’s strategic focus on AI, industry-specific solutions, and global market expansion signals continued leadership in the CRM space.

What are your thoughts on Salesforce’s FY25 so far? Are you leveraging AI innovations like Agentforce in your organization? Share your ideas in the comments below!

To get all financial documents, refer to the Salesforce Investor Relations site.

Exploring Tab Deck: A Chrome Extension Crafted with ChatGPT-4o with Canvas

By Enrico Murru

On December 10, 2024

In Post

Building the Tab Deck Chrome extension was an exciting journey that combined collaborative prompts, technical insights, and creative problem-solving with ChatGPT-4o with canvas feature. This showcase blog post dives into the development process, explores the extension’s features, and reflects on how the interaction with ChatGPT made it all possible.

The Making of Tab Deck: Behind the Scenes with ChatGPT-4o and Canvas

The creation of the Tab Deck extension involved numerous prompts over several chat sessions, spanning a total duration of approximately 4 hours. During this extended conversation, the exchange included over 50 individual prompts—ranging from designing user-friendly features to resolving technical challenges within the code.

The types of prompts included:

Feature Requests: Adding new functionalities such as creating empty tab decks, duplicating tab sets, and implementing right-click actions.
UI/UX Discussions: Improving user experience by suggesting interface tweaks, button placements, and icon additions.
Code Development: Writing and modifying JavaScript code to ensure smooth interaction with IndexedDB and Chrome APIs.
Troubleshooting and Debugging: Identifying and fixing issues in the code, handling corner cases, and suggesting more efficient ways to implement features.
Icon creation: I asked Dall-E to generate the icon for the extension (only after the major features has been implemented, see below)
Extension promotion: posts, articles, descriptions all generated by ChatGPT (with diverse levels of adjustements) with the whole context of what I was working on

Using the canvas feature of ChatGPT-4o helped visualize multiple versions of files and maintain a holistic view of the ongoing code development. Each change was tracked, and new additions were carefully reviewed, making the entire workflow streamlined and organized.

In one of the prompts, I even shared a sketch of the popup page UI to help guide the visual design of the interface, which ChatGPT used to create a similar template. This collaborative approach ensured the final design closely matched my initial vision.

Introducing Tab Deck: The Ultimate Tab Management Solution

Tab Deck is a Chrome extension that helps you manage your browser tabs effectively by allowing you to save and organize them into “decks.” It’s designed to enhance productivity by letting users create, modify, and restore groups of tabs, making it easy to switch between different projects or work contexts without overwhelming your browser.

Key Features of Tab Deck

Save Current Tabs as a Deck – Have a set of tabs open that you want to come back to later? Tab Deck allows you to save all the tabs in your current window as a named deck. This way, you can pick up where you left off whenever you need to, without cluttering your bookmarks.
Create an Empty Deck – Need a fresh start? You can create an empty deck with the click of a button. This is perfect for planning future research or organizing resources without immediate clutter.
Search and Filter Decks – As you accumulate saved decks, finding the one you need becomes seamless with the built-in search functionality. Simply type a few characters, and Tab Deck will help you find the right set of tabs instantly.
Open Deck in Current Window, New Window or Incognito – You can open any saved deck in the current and new window or even in incognito mode. This is especially useful if you’re working on sensitive information or need a distraction-free environment.
Add Current Page to Deck from the Context Menu – Right-click on any page and add it directly to an existing deck. This feature is perfect for quickly saving useful links as you browse without having to open the popup interface.
Duplicate and Edit Decks – Want to tweak an existing deck without altering the original? With the “Duplicate” feature, you can make a copy of any saved deck, modify it as needed, and save it under a new name. Editing deck names or URLs within decks is also straightforward, giving you the flexibility to keep your decks up to date.
Delete Decks or Individual Tabs – Simplify your collection by deleting decks you no longer need or by removing specific tabs within a deck. The extension is built for flexibility, ensuring that your saved tabs remain relevant.
Visual Deck Overview with Icons – Saved tabs are displayed with their favicons, providing an intuitive visual overview of each deck. This makes it easy to identify tabs at a glance, enhancing usability.

The User Experience: A Quick Tour

Header and Quick Actions: The popup window for Tab Deck features a simple header with an easy-to-use interface. It includes buttons for saving the current tabs, creating an empty deck, and a search bar to locate saved decks.

Deck List with Actions: Each deck is displayed in a list format with various action buttons, including Edit, Delete, Open, Open in Incognito, and Duplicate. These options are readily accessible via small, intuitive icons that keep the interface clean.

Add to Deck Context Menu: One standout feature is the ability to add the current webpage to an existing deck directly from the right-click context menu. This is a game-changer for quickly saving resources without interrupting your workflow.

Challenges and Solutions: The Development Journey

Throughout the development process, several technical challenges arose, particularly around Chrome’s API limits and storage restrictions. Using ChatGPT-4o, we were able to brainstorm solutions, like splitting large datasets into manageable chunks to fit within Chrome Sync Storage limits (feature not implemented yet). Debugging IndexedDB access and implementing incognito mode checks were also collaborative efforts that benefited from prompt discussions.

The canvas feature played a crucial role here, allowing us to iterate on solutions by viewing and adjusting the entire script in one place, making collaboration between prompts more cohesive and efficient.

Conclusion

Tab Deck is the result of combining technical development with user-centric thinking. It offers a simple yet powerful way to organize your browser tabs, making it easier to navigate different projects or tasks without losing track of important resources. The iterative process, facilitated by ChatGPT-4o with canvas, ensured that the extension was built with flexibility, efficiency, and a user-friendly interface in mind.

We hope Tab Deck helps you stay organized, productive, and ready to tackle whatever tasks come your way. Feel free to install the extension, experiment with creating your own tab decks, and experience how it can transform your browsing and workflow management!

Interested in creating your own Chrome extension? Collaborating with ChatGPT can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. The experience of building Tab Deck shows just how valuable it can be to have an AI partner for brainstorming, coding, and troubleshooting.

What’s next? There’s plenty of tools for developers that let you use different LLMs all at once, choosing the best model for the specific usage. But, in my opinion, for personal usage and for the most uses, ChatGPT Plus is enough for most use cases.

Ctrl+Alt+Cloud: Turning Salesforce Clouds Into Music Genres

By Enrico Murru

On December 5, 2024

In Post

With our Salesforce Sidekicks Podcast project, we’re all about breaking the mold and finding creative ways to engage with Salesforce technology.

So we asked ourselves: what if each Salesforce Cloud was a genre of music?

That’s the spark that lit the fire for our latest project: Ctrl+Alt+Cloud: Shortcut to Success, an imaginary album where every Salesforce product is transformed into a unique musical masterpiece.

In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of how we matched Salesforce Clouds to music genres, why each pairing makes sense, and how it all comes together in our fictional album.

If you are a TLDR; person, here is the result!

The Idea: Tech Meets Tunes

Salesforce is as diverse as the customers who use it—so why not celebrate that diversity through music? Each Cloud has its own personality and function, much like a music genre has its own rhythm and soul.

For example:

Sales Cloud is the dependable Rock Classic, always reliable and timeless.
Marketing Cloud brings the catchy hooks of Pop, drawing in leads like a chart-topping hit.
Slack, with its dynamic collaboration vibes, naturally takes on the role of Hip-Hop.

And that’s just the start!

To get here, we used some interesting prompts to help generate the content. Here are a few examples that inspired this project:

“If each Salesforce product was a music genre, which would they be?”
“Write song lyrics for Marketing Cloud in the style of Pop.”
“Generate lyrics for Tableau as Progressive Metal.”
“What would MuleSoft sound like in Funk? Write the lyrics.”
“Generate the album cover (make sure not to include any text other then the CTRL+ALT keys)”

These prompts were instrumental (pun intended!) in bringing this creative idea to life.

The Line-Up: Clouds and Genres

Here’s the full tracklist for Ctrl+Alt+Cloud: Shortcut to Success:

Cloud	Genre	Track Title	Reason for Genre
Sales Cloud	Rock Classic	Rockin’ the Cloud (Sales Never Sleep)	Reliable, timeless, and the foundation of many successful journeys, much like classic rock is to music.
Service Cloud	Blues	Service Blues (Hold the Line)	Emphasizes empathy and support, reminiscent of the soulful, emotional tunes of blues.
Marketing Cloud	Pop	Click, Like, Convert (Marketing Cloud Anthem)	Always trendy, catchy, and focused on connecting with audiences, just like pop music hits.
Commerce Cloud	Electro/EDM	Add to Cart (Commerce Cloud Vibes)	Fast-paced, energetic, and constantly evolving, reflecting the excitement of online shopping.
Experience Cloud	Jazz	Collaborate in Harmony (The Experience Cloud Jazz)	Versatile, collaborative, and improvisational, much like jazz musicians working together to create something unique.
Tableau	Progressive Metal	Stories in the Data (Tableau’s Metal Symphony)	Complex, detailed, and multi-layered, similar to how progressive metal tells an intricate story through music.
Einstein AI	Synthwave	Neon Mind (Einstein AI Synthwave)	Futuristic and visionary, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, much like the synthwave genre.
MuleSoft	Funk	Funky Connections (MuleSoft Groove)	Focused on smooth integration and connection, with a powerful groove like a funky bass line that ties it all together.
Salesforce CPQ	Classical	Orchestrating Deals (CPQ Symphony)	Precise, structured, and well-orchestrated, much like the elegance and order found in classical music.
Slack	Hip-Hop	Slackin’ Beats (Collaboration Anthem)	Full of energy, collaboration, and creativity, capturing the dynamic and communicative essence of hip-hop.
Industries Cloud	World Music	Unity in the Cloud (Industries Anthem)	Adaptable to different sectors, reflecting the variety and richness of cultures found in world music.
Data Cloud	Ambient/Chillout	Data in the Flow (The Ambient Journey)	Calming and powerful, continuously flowing like ambient music, which creates a serene and immersive atmosphere.
Salesforce Platform	Orchestra Symphonic	The Symphony of the Platform	The foundation for building custom solutions, offering endless possibilities like a full orchestra creating a grand symphony.

Each track not only represents a Salesforce Cloud but also captures its essence in a specific musical style.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Sound of Salesforce

To make this idea even more fun, we wrote song lyrics for each track! Here’s a sneak peek from the Marketing Cloud anthem, Click, Like, Convert:

Click, like, convert—baby, that’s my jam, \
Turning every lead into the ultimate fan. \
From inbox to socials, I’ve got the flair, \
Marketing Cloud, I’m everywhere!

(Yes, we went there!)

We used genres that align with the functionality of each Cloud. Commerce Cloud, for instance, pulses with the high-energy beat of EDM, representing dynamic shopping journeys and real-time e-commerce. Tableau, with its intricate storytelling and complex visualizations, naturally resonates with the layered riffs of Progressive Metal.

What’s Next? Bringing It to Life

While this is a fun and creative exercise, it could also inspire real-world innovation. Imagine a team-building session where your Salesforce users create playlists for the Clouds they use every day. Or, even better, use tools like Suno.ai to generate actual music from our lyrics and bring these tracks to life!

I chose Suno.ai because it has a free plan (50 credits a day, roughly 10 songs) and it frequently receives upgrades to its generative models. The tool has an intuitive user experience—you can even add a simple prompt to generate the music you like. In our case, I used the “custom” mode, which simply asks for the title, genre, lyrics, and, if you’re a paid user, you can select a specific voice.

Suno.ai generates two songs with different “musical flavors,” and the result is amazing. For some genres, I needed a few tries to get the perfect result—especially for the genres I love most and have more experience with.

There are also plenty of paid features that let you modify various aspects of the song (including duration and regeneration of some parts). It has been an amazing and really fun experience—if only I had this tool when I was a metalhead teenager, I think it would have skyrocketed my creativity!

And if that wasn’t enough, I even generated the album cover using ChatGPT and DALL-E. It was so cool that I chose the very first one that was generated! You can see the cover below. It perfectly captures the essence of our project, with its blend of technology and creativity.

Join the Fun

Want to dive deeper? Visit salesforceSideKicks.org, where we’re publishing the songs and full lyrics one by one weekly, insights, and more ideas to celebrate Salesforce creativity.

And let us know in the comments: which Cloud would you pick for your next anthem?

One Month with ChatGPT Plus: How AI Has Transformed My Workflow

By Enrico Murru

On December 3, 2024

In Post

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic, and like many, I decided to take the plunge: I subscribed to ChatGPT Plus. Now, after a month of using it, it’s time to reflect. In this post, I’ll share how this technology has revolutionized the way I work and create content.

Why ChatGPT Plus? A Thoughtful Choice

I’ll admit, I hesitated at first. With competitors like Claude rolling out new features at breakneck speed, choosing wasn’t easy. Ultimately, I went with ChatGPT, partly because my co-host and friend from the Salesforce Sidekicks Podcast, Pietro Piga, was already experimenting with Claude.

The result? This subscription is now one of the best investments I’ve made in recent years.

AI Superpowers in My Workflow

Using ChatGPT Plus daily has transformed how I approach many creative and technical tasks. Here are some real-world examples:

1. Content Creation

Social Posts: I always start with an original idea and let ChatGPT rework it to make it more engaging and suited for my audience. The result? A spike in engagement.
Creative Projects: From writing lyrics for humorous albums like Ctrl+Alt+Cloud to crafting stories for children (powered by Suno.ai), complete with custom illustrations.

2. Automation and Coding

Quick Prototypes: With ChatGPT’s help, I created a Chrome extension (TabDeck, spoiler…I’ll write a dedicated post about this) and a boilerplate for a NodeJS + ExpressJS portal, saving hours of work.
Custom Solutions: From scripts to process JSON, CSV, or even images, ChatGPT has been invaluable.

3. Research and Analysis

Complex Research: From summarizing dense documents (like Salesforce release notes) to technical debugging, ChatGPT is my go-to.
Brainstorming: Ideas for names, proposals, and creative strategies—this tool is indispensable for sparking creativity.

4. Illustrations and Storytelling

Using DALL-E, I’ve generated images to complement my content, making it visually more appealing. While there are occasional temporary usage limits, the overall experience has been very positive.

The Limitations of ChatGPT Plus (and How I Manage Them)

Every tool has its quirks, and ChatGPT is no exception. Here are a few challenges:

Canvas Management: In complex contexts, some files can be truncated or overwritten. Thankfully, rollbacks are easy.
Integration with IDEs: Better connectivity between ChatGPT and IDEs would simplify technical workflows.
The Temptation of “Copy-Paste”: After seeing many well-written results on the first try, it’s tempting to accept them without question. Reviewing remains essential.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? Absolutely Yes!

ChatGPT Plus has proven to be much more than a tool. It’s a creative partner, a technical assistant, and a productivity booster. Sure, there’s room for improvement, but the benefits far outweigh the limitations.

And you? Have you tried an AI subscription yet? What’s your experience been like? Let me know in the comments or on social media!

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