Dreamforce 2023, Salesforce’s annual event, unfolded as a grand celebration of innovation and transformation. With over 50,000 attendees, both in person and online, it showcased a multitude of groundbreaking announcements and insights that promise to reshape the business landscape. Whether you are a seasoned Salesforce user or just entering the realm of CRM and AI, here are some key takeaways you shouldn’t miss.
AI pervades every aspect of business
Salesforce unveiled the Einstein 1 Platform, which promises to harmonize the underlying architecture and break down data silos created by various Salesforce acquisitions and clouds, including Marketing Cloud and Commerce Cloud. This move aims to simplify integration between Salesforce products and reduce the effort required for building new AI capabilities.
Data as a strategic asset
Salesforce’s Data Cloud emerged as a focal point, with the platform coming of age after previous attempts. This year, Salesforce showcased the capabilities of Data Cloud and highlighted its integration with the core platform. Data Cloud utilizes different methods of handling data, such as Data Lake Objects (DLOs) and Data Model Objects (DMOs), enabling architects to reconsider where certain operations should be run. Data Cloud will also be free (up to 10,000 profiles) for Salesforce Enterprise or Unlimited Edition customers, reducing the cost barrier.
Ethical AI is non-negotiable
Salesforce reiterates its commitment to ethical and humane AI. The Tenets of Trusted, Ethical, and Humane AI set a standard for responsible AI development and deployment. Trust in AI solutions is essential, and Salesforce’s dedication to ethical practices places them at the forefront of this transformative technology.
Innovations across Salesforce Clouds
Salesforce rolled out a slew of innovations across its various Clouds, aimed at helping businesses of all sizes improve customer relationships, increase sales, and provide outstanding experiences. They have supercharged Marketing and Commerce Clouds with 26 new generative AI capabilities, putting a strong focus on personalization and engagement.
Industry solutions: Life Sciences Cloud
Salesforce’s commitment to industry-specific solutions took a major leap with the introduction of the Life Sciences Cloud. Tailored for the unique needs of the life sciences sector, this cloud comes with a specialized architecture that promises to accelerate processes and enhance efficiency for organizations operating in this field.
Slack new capabilities
Salesforce expanded the capabilities of Slack with a series of AI-driven innovations. Features like Thread Summaries, Channel Recaps, Search Answers, and automation in Slack Lists aim to boost productivity and collaboration among users.
Sustainability and social impact natter
Salesforce’s commitment to sustainability and social impact was a prominent theme at Dreamforce 2023. Initiatives such as a $100 million fund for climate action and a pledge to plant 10 million trees by 2030 demonstrate the importance of corporate responsibility. Businesses are increasingly expected to make a positive impact on the world.
Salesforce in China
After several years of partnership with Alibaba, Salesforce finally made its solution available in China. Leveraging Hyperforce, Salesforce launched its solution on AliCloud, addressing the compliance challenges faced by Salesforce customers in China. This move provides a unified solution for organizations operating both within and outside of China while requiring strong governance due to the Multi-Org setup.
The power of storytelling in business
A captivating conversation between Marc Benioff and Matthew McConaughey underscored the significance of storytelling in business. Authentic and compelling stories have the power to connect with customers and partners on a profound level. Businesses that incorporate storytelling into their strategies can forge deeper relationships and drive growth.