Definition
An External Object in Salesforce is similar to a custom object, but it maps to data stored outside the Salesforce org rather than inside it. External Objects do not store data in Salesforce; instead, they provide real-time access to external data through Salesforce Connect using OData 2.0, OData 4.0, cross-org, or custom Apex adapter connections. External Object API names end with '__x' and their records are retrieved on-demand from the external system when a user views or queries them. They support a subset of standard Salesforce features, including list views, detail pages, record feeds, and reporting.
Real-World Example
the IT director at Vertex Global uses External Object to scale their operations using the Salesforce platform. External Object 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 External Object Matters
An External Object in Salesforce is similar to a custom object, but it maps to data stored outside the Salesforce org rather than inside it. External Objects don't store data in Salesforce; instead, they provide real-time access to external data through Salesforce Connect using OData 2.0, OData 4.0, cross-org connectors, or custom Apex adapters. External Object API names end with '__x' (compared to '__c' for custom objects), making them visually distinct in code and metadata.
When users view or query an External Object, Salesforce fetches the data on demand from the external system, ensuring it's always current. External Objects support a subset of standard Salesforce features including list views, detail pages, record feeds, and reporting, though some features (like triggers and complex workflows) are limited because the data isn't actually stored in Salesforce. They're particularly valuable for surfacing large datasets, authoritative source-of-truth data, and data subject to residency requirements that prevent copying.
How Organizations Use External Object
- •TerraForm Tech — Created an External Object pointing to their ERP's order table. Salesforce users see and search ERP orders from inside Salesforce without any data sync, with the data always current.
- •NovaScale — Uses External Objects with cross-org adapters to display data from a regional Salesforce org in their global org, avoiding bidirectional sync complexity.
- •CodeBridge — Built a custom Apex adapter to expose data from a legacy system as External Objects, giving users a Salesforce-native experience over data they couldn't otherwise easily access.