Salesforce features a variety of tools that ensure its data is available, safe, and secure. However, organizations cannot be guaranteed complete data security on the CRM tool. There have been minor and major incidences where salesforce data was breached. The tool uses two types of applications – native and non-native apps.
Native apps dwell on Salesforce and never leave, which makes data harder to hack. Non-native apps are integrated into the CRM through multiple integration points. Data does not entirely dwell on Salesforce and thus is vulnerable to attacks. Native apps tend to be more secure than non-native ones because data in the non-native often pass through the public domain.
What is a native and non-native salesforce application?
A native salesforce application is entirely built using Salesforce technology. It contains no external server code and dwells only on the CRM. What this means is that the entire app data, code, metadata, authentication, and security are developed on Salesforce. Due to this, native apps provide enhanced Salesforce security which is an advantage to an organization.
A non-native app is not built on Salesforce but is integrated into it. It may offer similar features to a native app, but its implementation is different. Its code does not dwell on the CRM and thus can become a weak point through which cybercriminals launch attacks.
Difference between native and non-native salesforce applications
- Location: The main difference between native and non-native applications is where they dwell or are located. Native apps are strictly located on Force.com. Non-native apps are located in different places on web browsers.
- Access to Salesforce features: Since native apps are entirely built on Salesforce, they get access to all of the CRM features. Non-native apps require codes and programming to use most of the Salesforce features effectively.
- Built for Salesforce: Native apps are specifically built for Salesforce and cannot function outside the software. Non-native apps can be compatible with multiple platforms/CRMs, which makes them multi-purpose.
- Developers: Native apps are specifically created by Salesforce developers who understand the purpose of the software and the application codes required to make it function to the maximum. Non-native apps are developed by different developers who focus on other types of platforms.
Regardless of the differences, organizations need to leverage native and non-native applications in the CRM. If an organization wants to implement a solid business plan, it must consider using modern digital tools that will help it improve customer service, marketing strategies, and content development. Using Salesforce as a CRM tool and adding to it both native and non-native apps provides an organization with various advantages.
- Unlimited options: Organizations can add an unlimited number of applications to Salesforce for improved user experience. Some of the apps offer advanced threat protection solutions to Salesforce.
- Higher flexibility: Salesforce is one of the most adaptable platforms. Organizations can program it to meet their CRM needs.
- The largest online community: Salesforce is one of the most used CRM platforms globally. It is continuously undergoing evaluation by a large online community.
- Easily managed: It is easy to make administration changes in Salesforce even if the user is not an IT expert.
- Linking with a large number of APIs: Salesforce effectively works with a large number of non-native applications. Above this, it can also be linked with a large number of standardized APIs.
Is it better to use native or non-native Salesforce applications?
What can help users know if an app is Salesforce native or non-native is:
- The place the app is hosted
- The place the app data is stored
- If the app is fully or partially built on Salesforce
As long as the application data is hosted outside Salesforce and the app is not built on the platform, it is non-native. All applications that are partially built on Salesforce and partially outside are considered non-native. They all work well and could have similar features, but organizations might worry about which is better. Here are tips to help managers decide which app is better:
Data security
Native applications do not require integration with Salesforce. Due to this, all its data dwells within the platform, which makes it safer. Non-native apps’ data is stored away from the platform, which makes it potentially vulnerable to attacks. Native apps are built to automatically work with the Salesforce security settings, unlike non-native apps, which require extra codes.
The simplicity offered by the app
Native applications do not require additional logins to access and use them. The apps are already within the platform, which means users need to log in once, and all internal features get activated. Non-native apps are located outside the platform and require additional logins, which makes them complex to use. Training non-native apps is harder compared to native.
Data Accuracy
Salesforce data can be configured to update automatically, and all data in the native apps use the same auto-update settings. Whenever users create tasks, take notes, or log calls, they do not need to refresh or sync databases. Non-native apps are hosted by third-party servers, which sometimes use multiple data processors. Users often require to use APIs to connect to the app server. In most cases, data in non-native apps require manual updating, which makes it less accurate due to errors that may occur.
App speed
Native apps do not require syncing with databases because they store their data within the platform. Data that is stored within Salesforce is easier to store or access since it is near the user. It offers a higher speed when saving or retrieving. Data stored in non-native apps is different because it has to be synced with different databases. The server could be located far from the user, which means data will take time to be stored or retrieved. Compared to native apps, non-native apps record a lower speed.
Conclusion
The main difference between native and non-native Salesforce apps is where it dwells. Native apps stay within Salesforce, while non-natives are stored in a third-party server. Native apps access and utilize all Salesforce features, unlike non-native which require extra codes. The former records better speed, data security, accuracy, and simplicity. These are features that are lacking in non-native applications integrated with Salesforce.
