# How companies use Salesforce

*Platform Foundations Study Guide · Salesforce Ecosystem · Last updated October 16, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/platform-foundations/salesforce-ecosystem/how-companies-use-salesforce*

Why companies put their customer data, collaboration and department apps on one cloud platform: the shared CRM, custom apps with Flow and Prompt Builder, the trusted multitenant cloud with its APIs, Salesforce's values and 1-1-1 model, and AgentExchange for ready-made solutions.

- Certification: Salesforce Platform Foundations
- Exam section: Salesforce Ecosystem
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/platform-foundations

**Official exam objective:**

> Describe how companies use Salesforce.

## What the exam expects

- Explain how one shared, cloud-based CRM replaces scattered spreadsheets, inboxes and sticky notes, and why collaborating on records builds a searchable company memory.
- Recognize realistic department apps on the Agentforce 360 Platform (formerly Salesforce Platform), the tools behind them (custom objects, Flow Builder, Prompt Builder), and a good first project.
- Describe the multitenant cloud, automatic upgrades, the trust site and API-enabled data.
- Name Salesforce's five core values and the 1-1-1 model.
- Choose AgentExchange (formerly AppExchange) over building from scratch, and evaluate a listing before installing it.

Key terms:
- **CRM:** customer relationship management, technology to manage relationships and interactions with customers and prospects.
- **Org:** where all your data, configuration and customization lives; also called your instance of Salesforce.
- **Multitenancy:** many companies share one cloud's resources, each in its own secure space.
- **API:** the interface that lets software systems connect and exchange information.
- **AgentExchange:** the official Salesforce marketplace for apps, agents, components and consultants.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time visibility | Managers log in and see the latest deal data instead of asking reps | [Customer Success Platform](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/lex_salesforce_basics/lex_salesforce_basics_welcome) |
| Collaboration | Stored and searchable, so it becomes corporate memory | [Customer Success Platform](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/lex_salesforce_basics/lex_salesforce_basics_welcome) |
| Prompt Builder | Low-code AI prompts grounded in company and customer data | [Discover Use Cases](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/starting_force_com/starting_discovering) |
| First project | Email-heavy, spreadsheet-based, repetitive, few departments | [Discover Use Cases](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/starting_force_com/starting_discovering) |
| Multitenancy | Same computing power, storage and core features for every size of customer | [Understand the Salesforce Architecture](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/starting_force_com/starting_understanding_arch) |
| Trust site | trust.salesforce.com: performance, security, planned maintenance | [Understand the Salesforce Architecture](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/starting_force_com/starting_understanding_arch) |
| API | All data and metadata is API enabled | [Understand the Salesforce Architecture](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/starting_force_com/starting_understanding_arch) |
| Release cadence | Innovations reach products three times a year | [Salesforce Values](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/salesforce-quick-look-1/learn-about-salesforce-and-our-values) |
| 1-1-1 model | 1% of employees' time, 1% of equity, 1% of product to nonprofits | [Salesforce Values](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/salesforce-quick-look-1/learn-about-salesforce-and-our-values) |
| AgentExchange listings | Solutions and consultants; thousands free; many try-before-you-buy | [Get Started with AgentExchange](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/appexchange_basics/appexchange_basics_overview) |
| Before production | Test in a sandbox or Developer Edition org | [Get Started with AgentExchange](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/appexchange_basics/appexchange_basics_overview) |

## Check yourself

- Why can a sales manager stop asking reps for deal updates once the team uses Salesforce?
- When should a company test an AgentExchange solution in a sandbox or Developer Edition org?
- What can you check on trust.salesforce.com?
- Which three things does Salesforce's 1-1-1 model commit to nonprofits?

## Sources

- [Learn About the Salesforce Customer Success Platform](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/lex_salesforce_basics/lex_salesforce_basics_welcome)
- [Discover Use Cases for the Platform](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/starting_force_com/starting_discovering)
- [Understand the Salesforce Architecture](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/starting_force_com/starting_understanding_arch)
- [Learn How Salesforce Values Drive a Platform for Change](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/salesforce-quick-look-1/learn-about-salesforce-and-our-values)
- [Get Started with AgentExchange](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/appexchange_basics/appexchange_basics_overview)
- [Cert Prep: Learn About the Salesforce Ecosystem](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/cert-prep-salesforce-certified-associate/learn-about-the-salesforce-ecosystem)
- [Get Started with Agentforce Service](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/service-cloud-platform-quick-look/get-to-know-the-service-cloud-platform)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 12 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Platform Foundations pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams