Detailed Guide to All Salesforce Clouds

A lot of times, people assume that Salesforce is a single platform. However, Salesforce is a CRM specialist providing various products in the form of Salesforce Clouds to automate processes in several industries. Did you know it has around 20 different types of clouds? Out of these, eight significant clouds are the most used and popular clouds among Salesforce users.

But what do all these clouds do? Each cloud offers features and add-on products that enhance customer relationship management and streamline business processes. We will discuss how these clouds are used for various applications in businesses of all sizes while learning about their features. We will also gain a brief understanding of the purpose of Salesforce cloud services and how they facilitate Salesforce CRM. So, let’s get started!

What is Salesforce Cloud?

Among the many products and services provided by Salesforce, there are multiple cloud-based solutions called the Salesforce Cloud. These are cloud platforms through which Salesforce makes it possible for you to manage organisational operations and business processes. It facilitates the connection between different departments of an organisation and stakeholders, leading to improved communication. It also maintains consumer data and journeys across systems to provide a single source of truth. Each cloud offers a set of tools and features tailored to address specific business needs. Let’s get to know each cloud in more depth.

8 Major Clouds in Salesforce

Salesforce provides various tools and services, each directed toward a particular market or function. Since cloud computing powers all these tools, they are collectively called “clouds”. The eight major Salesforce clouds available on the platform are Sales Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Commerce Cloud, Service Cloud, Experience Cloud, Data Cloud, Revenue Cloud and Analytics Cloud. One of the main areas that makes use of Salesforce Cloud’s seemingly endless possibilities is healthcare. Other key industries include BFSI, retail, telecommunications, education, and manufacturing.

Let’s take a deep dive into each Salesforce Cloud.

1. Salesforce Sales Cloud

The most preferred cloud is Salesforce Sales Cloud. It promotes lead creation, streamlines communication through many channels, and automates sales. Sales representatives and managers use Sales Cloud in both B2B and B2C markets.

Salesforce Sales Cloud is an application that helps businesses close deals more quickly and intelligently. You can achieve this by centralizing client data, tracking interactions, facilitating cross-team communication, and automating repetitive operations. It increases the productivity of your sales teams by consolidating all the information about your customers and prospects.

Features

Salesforce Sales Cloud has the following features to help you automate your sales tasks.

• Account data and contact management systems.
• Lead management and tracking features.
• Opportunity and product management.
• Organize, monitor, and collect data from Sales Campaigns.
• Manage deals from a single workspace.
• Triggering Emails, Reports, and Dashboard features.
• Track every customer interaction from a customer 360 data powered by AI.

2. Salesforce Service Cloud

A cloud-based platform for customer service management is Salesforce Service Cloud. It offers businesses individualized customer support and serves as a help desk and customer service platform.

As one of the most essential Salesforce clouds, Salesforce Service Cloud offers all the features required to improve customer engagement and experience. Its sophisticated workflow streamlines customer journeys and automates company procedures. It also leverages artificial intelligence to obtain real-time customer information, thereby boosting sales and revenue.

Features

Salesforce Service Cloud features include the following:

• It provides a versatile dashboard that allows for the real-time recording of client interactions. 
• It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing to propose timely responses for agents.
• Provide thorough reporting to gain a comprehensive view of your support operation from all angles.
• Incorporates Service Cloud Voice phone functionality into your support system.
• Offer a 360-degree view of customers, orders, customer service support history, and actions.
• Omni Routing helps direct the right cases to the suitable agents and measures the typical handling time.
• Lightning Console provides all the data, including Subjects, Client Profiles, and Knowledge Bases, to enable rapid client interactions and first-rate service.

3. Salesforce Experience Cloud

Salesforce Experience Cloud, formerly Community Cloud, brings employers, agents, partners, and customers together to create virtual communities. It lets you create web-based portals for sales, customer service, and other essential functions. These online portals or websites hosted by Salesforce are named Experience Sites, which are exquisitely branded digital experiences that are easy to create and maintain. You can create custom portals for your HR department, IT help desk, and other internal services. Experience Cloud also functions as a help forum and support site to connect with the teams they need.

Features

• Community Builder allows users to design and customize the community’s look and feel without coding.
• Member Management defines and manages community user profiles, roles, and access permissions.
• Content Management allows members to upload and share files within the community.
• Mobile Accessibility provides a responsive design for mobile access to the community. Community content is accessible even without the internet and optimized for various devices.
• Advanced users can apply custom CSS styles to tailor the look and feel to align with organizational branding.

4. Salesforce Marketing Cloud

Salesforce Marketing Cloud, formerly known as Exact Target, automates your business’s marketing efforts. With Marketing Cloud, you can interact with customers in real-time via email, social media, and other channels. Additionally, it facilitates customer tracking across all the touchpoints in their journey. It contains integrated tools for content creation and management, data analysis, advertising, web personalization, email, and customer journey management.

Features

Digital marketers can use these six features of the Marketing Cloud to build effective marketing campaigns for different channels.

• Email Studio generates targeted, customized emails.
• With Data Studio, you can monetize your consumer data.
• Use Social Studio to link social media data to your marketing initiatives.
• Advertising Studio helps you to interact with clients through customer care, social media, and other platforms.
• Using Mobile Studio, you can control SMS push alerts.
• To integrate online and offline touchpoints, use Interaction Studio.

5. Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a cloud-based eCommerce platform from the commerce cloud market that enables us to manage and sell products, as well as develop eCommerce websites. It provides companies with the necessary resources and infrastructure to launch an online store quickly. Organisations can collaborate on cloud-based IT solutions and provide a highly customized and strategic approach to online shopping. It also enables the integration of stores with enhanced order processing and retail operations, leading to optimal effectiveness.

Features

Some of the most essential features of Commerce Cloud include:

• Channel management across offline, digital, mobile, and social channels.
• Builds roadmaps for planning customer journeys.
• Live Message will automate many essential customer functions, drag-and-drop tools, and commerce portals alongside Salesforce CMS.
• Quick online sales with the world’s most trusted commerce platform.
• The capacity to leverage Einstein intelligence to raise customer engagement and average order value.
• Self-service features like chat and curbside pickup are offered.
• Since everything is linked to Customer 360 data, creating an integrated B2B commerce channel is quick.
• Buyer managers establish account-based regulations, including bespoke catalogues, contract pricing, and approval processes.

6. Salesforce Analytics Cloud (CRM Analytics)

The Salesforce Analytics Cloud is a tool to identify trends and get the most value from your organization’s data. It uses AI technology to dig deep into your data and extract actionable insights that can be shared with stakeholders through charts and graphs. The goal is to provide more helpful information to help your team make better and more informed decisions.

Features

• With Analytics, you can incorporate dashboards into any aspect of the Customer Success Platform, including the Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Community Cloud, to provide partners and staff with fresh insights and a unified data view.
• With built-in tools like Einstein Actions, you can create a task, update a record, share insights, and more without waiting for legacy technology or data analysis.
• Dashboards and lenses from Service Analytics can assist your entire team in providing better service. The Lightning Console has it built in, providing agents with a 360-degree view of their clients. Additionally, it’s the most straightforward method for managers to keep tabs on channel optimization, agent productivity, and case trends.

7. Salesforce Data Cloud

Salesforce Data Cloud (formerly Salesforce CDP) is another flagship product within the Salesforce ecosystem that helps in managing the growing amount of data in an organization. It helps businesses connect, harmonize, and activate data across Salesforce apps. It also enables data import and export from external systems to deliver personalized experiences. Data Cloud is a core part of Agentforce and AI in Salesforce because AI needs relevant and accurate data that Data Cloud can organize on a massive scale.

Features

• Using the unified customer profiles in Data Cloud, you can merge data from multiple sources, such as CRM, web, mobile, ERP, etc., into one profile.
• You can use the data stored to match and link customer records across multiple systems through identity resolution.
• It allows you to activate data through building a targeted audience segment in Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Sales, Service, etc.
• You can use the Einstein AI within Data Cloud for predictions and insights on custom behaviour to improve decision-making.

8. Salesforce Revenue Cloud

Salesforce Revenue Cloud is a solution for managing the entire revenue lifecycle of an organization. From CPQ to billing, subscription management, and partner sales, it takes care of all the essential elements in revenue management. It helps organizations to accelerate sales, improve accuracy, and create a seamless buying experience.

Features

• Automate quote creation with accurate pricing, discounts, and approvals using the built-in CPQ features.
• You can use the billing and invoicing in Revenue Cloud to manage bill schedules and generate invoices.
• The Partner Relationship Management (PRM) enables partners to sell and manage revenue through a single system, keeping all records accessible to all partners.
• It integrates seamlessly with all Salesforce products, including Sales, Service, and Marketing Clouds for end-to-end visibility.

Besides these 8 Salesforce clouds, many clouds are integrated within the customer 360 as applications or platforms. These are equally helpful in running your business, so read along to find out their unique features.

Other Clouds in Salesforce

Remember, there were other Salesforce clouds? Although these may be less widely used, they are equally valuable for the Salesforce CRM. Combined with the above seven clouds, these clouds will enhance user experience and improve business processes. These are focused on empowering different industries and organizations. Read along to find out more about these clouds.

1. Salesforce Integration Cloud

Salesforce Integration Cloud helps companies link their Salesforce apps with other services and apps inside and outside the Salesforce ecosystem. It offers a single, safe, and expandable way to automate business logic and workflows while integrating various systems, data sources, and procedures. 

2. Salesforce App Cloud

Salesforce App Cloud, now known as Salesforce Platform, is a comprehensive platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering from Salesforce. It provides tools and services for building and deploying custom applications on the Salesforce infrastructure. The platform is designed to enable organizations to create tailored solutions that address their specific business needs without extensive coding efforts.

3. Salesforce IoT Cloud

The Thunder engine powers the Salesforce IoT cloud and uses it to store and process IoT data. This engine collects and interprets real-time event data from various sources, including devices, web pages, applications, and other systems. It can also initiate context-based alerts and actions by directly communicating with the connected devices. Salesforce IoT cloud enhances customer satisfaction and experience by improving service quality which may even lead your customers to become enthusiastic brand ambassadors. 

4. Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud

With the Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud platform, you can improve cooperation and transparency across sales, operations, and partners while managing your complete book of business and customer care lifecycle. In the manufacturing of the new, networked era, Salesforce organizes and accesses vital data to boost your manufacturing operation’s efficiency and enhance sales and service. 

5. Salesforce Financial Services Cloud

With its wealth management tools built on the robust Salesforce CRM, Salesforce Financial Services Cloud gives advisors additional opportunities to engage with their clients. Extend the power of Financial Services Cloud to build trusted relationships and deliver modern customer experiences.

6. Salesforce Education Cloud

Salesforce Education Cloud is a collection of objects and tools that aims to streamline processes for students, teachers, and beyond. It helps to manage recruitment, admissions, institution operations, and the student experience for educational institutions.

7. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud offers a single view of interactions with clients, supporters, members, funders, volunteers, and affiliates. Nonprofits may use Salesforce to engage the community, build deeper relationships with contributors, market to reach more people interested in helping, and automate internal operations to free up more time for causes.

8. Salesforce Health Cloud

In conjunction with other design and integration partners, Salesforce developed Health Cloud, a patient engagement platform. It facilitates communication and interaction with patients, members, staff, and partners in various care settings and circumstances. Salesforce’s Healthcare Cloud services are revolutionizing the healthcare industry by strengthening the bonds between providers, payers, and patients.

9. Salesforce Vaccine Cloud

With a self-service digital patient experience and a modular, interoperable solution for physicians, Salesforce Vaccine Cloud for Healthcare Providers assists in managing the last mile of vaccine delivery. It helps mobilize, manage, and scale vaccine administration efficiently and effectively.

10. Salesforce Retail Cloud

Salesforce Retail Cloud is designed for retail stores and organizations that wish to deliver a personalized shopping experience across online and offline stores. It enables retailers to manage their loyalty programs, understand customer buying behavior, and create offers that customers truly appreciate. From seamless checkouts to targeted promotions, Retail Cloud ensures every interaction drives sales while building long-term customer relationships.

11. Salesforce Consumer Goods Cloud

Salesforce Consumer Goods Cloud empowers brands that sell through distributors and retailers on a massive scale. To maximize operational efficiency, field representatives can plan store visits, track inventory, capture orders, and ensure shelves stay stocked. By digitizing complete retail execution, it enables consumer goods companies to strengthen relationships with partners while driving more innovative sales strategies.

12. Salesforce Automotive Cloud

The Salesforce Automotive Cloud is particularly for the Automobile industry. It connects customers, vehicles, dealers, and financing into one ecosystem for ease of processes. It helps automotive companies in curating a smooth customer journey, from scheduling test drives to purchasing cars and after-sales servicing. Giving a 360° view of customers and vehicles allows you to deliver personalized, connected, and future-ready automotive experiences.

Now that you understand each Salesforce cloud, you must be curious about what lies ahead in this domain. Here are some facts and future integrations that might help you scale the growth and opportunities in Salesforce Clouds.

Growth and Opportunities Of Salesforce Clouds

A study conducted by IDC predicts that using Salesforce and its ecosystem’s cloud services will generate $724 billion in the customer base in 2026. The Salesforce partner ecosystem extends the power of Salesforce to companies of all sizes and industries and helps make customer success possible. Today, the ecosystem of Salesforce partners delivering cloud services to customers is five times as big as Salesforce itself. It will be more than six times as big in 2026. Salesforce clouds will continue to experience growth due to several factors; here, we have some of them to give you an insight.

1. Industry-Specific Solutions: Developing and enhancing industry-specific solutions can open up new markets for Salesforce. Tailoring the platform to meet the unique needs of industries such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing provides growth opportunities.
2. IoT Integration: Embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and expanding capabilities for managing IoT data can position Salesforce as a comprehensive platform for businesses dealing with connected devices and sensors.
3. International Expansion: Focusing on further global expansion and localization efforts can tap into new markets and industries, broadening the reach of Salesforce cloud services.
4. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): Tailoring offerings to meet the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be a growth avenue. Providing cost-effective and scalable solutions attracts a broader range of businesses.
5. Mobile Experience Enhancement: Investing in mobile capabilities and ensuring a seamless user experience can cater to the growing trend of mobile-centric work environments.
6. AI and Analytics: Salesforce’s integration of AI (Einstein) and analytics tools enhances decision-making and provides actionable insights. Expanding artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and analytics within Salesforce can offer users advanced insights and predictive analytics. This can attract businesses looking to leverage data for strategic decision-making.
7. Vertical Expansion: Salesforce is expanding its offerings in various industries, tailoring solutions for specific verticals like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Exploring opportunities for vertical integration, such as offering additional business services or expanding into related markets, can enhance Salesforce’s overall value proposition.
8. Customer 360: The Customer 360 platform allows businesses to have a unified view of their customers, fostering better engagement and personalized experiences. Expanding beyond traditional CRM functions into broader customer engagement platforms can position Salesforce as a central hub for customer interactions, including social media engagement and customer service.

As businesses evolve, Salesforce’s versatile cloud offerings position it well to address diverse market demands. Are you ready to join this ever-expanding industry? Join S2 Labs and start your journey to become a Salesforce Professional. Step into the world of Salesforce to experience its growth in real-time.

Conclusion

Salesforce is a booming industry with numerous opportunities for everyone. Salesforce Clouds are the foundation of this CRM platform, which will continue to grow. As these clouds ease business processes, increase productivity, and streamline projects for small and big organizations, it is crucial to learn about them as a Salesforce professional. We have made every effort to provide you with an overview of all Salesforce clouds. If you find this guide helpful, head to our website and learn more about not only Salesforce but also many other web services.