Definition
Cloud Computing in the Salesforce context refers to the delivery model where software, platforms, and infrastructure are provided as a service over the internet rather than installed locally. Salesforce pioneered the SaaS (Software as a Service) cloud computing model, hosting all applications and data on its multi-tenant servers so customers access their CRM through a web browser without managing hardware or software installations.
Real-World Example
the IT director at Vertex Global recently implemented Cloud Computing to scale their operations using the Salesforce platform. Cloud Computing gives them the infrastructure and tools needed to support new business requirements, handle increased data volumes, and serve a growing user base without compromising performance.
Why Cloud Computing Matters
Cloud Computing in the Salesforce context refers to the SaaS (Software as a Service) delivery model where applications, platforms, and infrastructure are provided over the internet rather than installed on customer hardware. Salesforce was a pioneer of the SaaS model when it launched in 1999 with the slogan 'No Software', referring to its choice to host CRM applications on multi-tenant servers that customers accessed through a web browser, eliminating the need for customers to install or maintain anything locally.
The cloud computing model has three main service categories that Salesforce participates in: SaaS (the application layer, like Sales Cloud and Service Cloud), PaaS (the platform layer, like Salesforce Platform and Heroku, where customers build their own apps on Salesforce infrastructure), and IaaS (infrastructure as a service, where compute and storage are provided as utilities). Salesforce focuses primarily on SaaS and PaaS. The benefits of this model include automatic upgrades (Salesforce releases three updates per year), no hardware management, scalability, and accessibility from any device with a browser.
How Organizations Use Cloud Computing
- •Vertex Global — Adopted Salesforce specifically because the cloud model meant they wouldn't need to maintain CRM hardware or perform manual upgrades. Three Salesforce releases per year happen automatically, with no IT downtime.
- •NovaScale — Scaled from 50 users to 5,000 users on Salesforce over four years without any infrastructure changes, because the cloud model handles capacity transparently.
- •Skyline Consulting — Helps customers understand the difference between SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS when planning Salesforce implementations. The cloud terminology often confuses business stakeholders, so explaining where Salesforce fits in the stack matters.