Salesforce AppExchange

Salesforce AppExchange is a cloud computing marketplace, developed and hosted by salesforce.com.

There are two major factors that set salesforce.com apart from the rest of the companies that build development platforms:

1. salesforce.com offers an on-demand platform where you do not have to purchase or install any software; all you need is an Internet connection to view the applications
2. An attractive feature is the public directory of available applications called AppExchange

So what is AppExchange? 
Launched in 2005 by salesforce.com, it is the world’s first and largest cloud computing applications and services platform. AppExchange is a community where you can build, develop, customize and market your applications and share it with millions of other users, all over the world. Through AppExchange, you can also get instant access to thousands of applications built by others.

The application development is done through the Force.com PaaS (Platform as a Service). There is no need to purchase and install the software – everything is done through the hosted interface.  Got an idea? Built your application, upload it to AppExchange and share with others! AppExchange has tools and features that allow you to showcase your creation.

Who uses the AppExchange? 
AppExchange offers numerous application categories such as Reporting, Dashboards, Finance & Administration, IT, HR and Recruitment, Sales and many more. So people across different service sectors like business analysts, developers, IT and finance professionals, to name a few, use AppExchange to their advantage.

Benefits of using AppExchange

• For many companies/users, AppExchange is a service that has provided them a platform to showcase their talent and take their application to market quickly.
  
• It is a gateway to a lot of prospects and has made it possible for many companies to build a rapport with potential customers.
  
• It provides the easiest and fastest access to over a thousand apps. Through the AppExchange directory, you can locate the applications quickly and pick the one that suits your business needs best.
  
• AppExchange provides a lot of scope to build and develop innovative applications.
  
• With AppExchange your partners can upload demos and content, administer free trials, and provide support information.
  
• Customers can post reviews about their experience with apps and services, which are a great help when other customers are shopping for a particular app.
  

Get Started with AppExchange 
Listing on the AppExchange is simple and easy. Log onto AppExchange, click on the Publishing tab, and you are ready to get started.

Note that some of the apps on the AppExchange are free and some are paid. Check the pricing section of each application – you will find the cost there.

A “GET it now” button will allow you to install the application directly onto your salesforce.com account. Other applications will have “Download it” buttons – this means that you’ll need to run the app on your desktop or server.