Salesforce Just Announced No-Cost Access to Data Cloud—Here’s How to Get Started

First off, Salesforce announced its new Einstein 1 platform. Built on Salesforce’s improved metadata framework, the platform allows companies to connect any of their data to build low-code, AI-powered apps. As Salesforce prepares the launch of its generative AI interface, Einstein Copilot, this fall, Einstein 1 will give marketers a taste of how generative AI can fuel new CRM experiences.

But that’s not all: unleashing the power of AI relies on robust enterprise data, and Salesforce is teeing up Data Cloud to become the central data hub for Einstein Copilot. To help brands find their footing in this brave new territory, Salesforce is offering no-cost access to Data Cloud for certain existing customers, meaning there’s no better time than now to build a solid data foundation in preparation for AI’s implementation in your business. Let’s dive into deeper detail of what was announced, what it means, and how you can get started.

So, what was announced at Dreamforce?

Salesforce Sales Cloud and Service Cloud customers with Enterprise or Enterprise Unlimited editions will be granted access to Salesforce Data Cloud, in addition to two Tableau creator licenses. As part of this access, Salesforce will provide 250,000 credits, which enable customers to onboard onto Data Cloud and develop Sales and Service Cloud use cases at no additional cost.

Data Cloud is the foundation that unlocks the generative AI features within the Salesforce platform, which in turn help clients drive efficiencies for their business. With this new move, Salesforce is making Data Cloud more accessible to customers and allowing them to begin leveraging the power of the platform more quickly—which is key, because the best data pipeline wins when it comes to realizing the potential of AI. 

What are the best beginner use cases for Data Cloud?

Access at no additional cost, coupled with 250,000 credits, grants customers the ability to start using the Data Cloud platform and build foundational use cases that then lead to more advanced use cases and further utilization. So, what kinds of use cases should you start with? Salesforce has identified the following two:

1. Unify Prospects for Targeted Selling: Consolidate data across multiple Sales Cloud organizations to identify opportunities with priority customers and increase revenue.
2. Unify Customers for Personalized Service: Consolidate data across multiple organizations to empower services agents with a unified, 360 view of the customer.

These use cases are geared towards customers looking to consolidate data across multiple organizations—be it due to being a portfolio company with multiple companies or brands, or having separate Salesforce instances intentionally stood up.

How can I get started?

Prior to activating any Data Cloud use case, customers should first evaluate their data management standards to ensure a proper data foundation. While zero cost access to Data Cloud presents a relatively low-risk opportunity, unwinding a poorly thought-through integration can lead to complex and time-consuming work later down the line. Therefore, it’s imperative for customers to take the time to develop a clear plan, considering what data to ingest and also how to ingest and organize that data.

At Media.Monks, we aim to help customers feel confident in their ability to leverage Data Cloud to drive value for their businesses. Our team of Data Consultants and Salesforce Architects assess customers’ first-party data strategy and technical architecture in order to build a detailed implementation plan, ensuring customers are set up for success and are receiving long-term value from their Data Cloud implementation.

Gain more insights from Dreamforce.

Join us for our Dreamforce to You events happening across the globe. There, we’ll dive deeper into how to design and build an effective data strategy and pipeline and how to unlock the power of Data Cloud for your business. Learn more about the events, hosted in London and Chicago. Stay tuned for more Dreamforce to You events around the world!