Salesforce Unveils AppExchange

Salesforce.com has formally taken the wraps off AppExchange, the on-demand platform and directory for the company's Business Web concept. Defined as a network of on-demand applications, services, components and development efforts that enable customers to run their entire businesses on-demand, Business Web is being promoted by Salesforce as the logical extension of the Internet.

AppExchange features some 160 applications that users can deploy, share, review and even take for prepurchase test runs.

"ISVs are really embracing this model," says Bobby Napiltonia, Salesforce's senior vice president of worldwide alliances and channels. "And VARs who have either a vertical or horizontal expertise can take the applications for a demo with their customers, or play with the applications in a development environment; you can't do that with software."

Salesforce has also rolled out Winter '06, the latest version of its on-demand offerings, which features an improved interface and territory-management capabilities, an integrated marketing campaign-building tool, and improved forecasting and analytics. In addition, for $25 more per month per existing Enterprise Edition user, Salesforce Sandbox provides "one-click" access to a fully replicated, highly scalable on-demand customer replica environment for customization, integration, testing, development and training.