The Salesforce Lightning Platform Starter and Lightning Platform Plus offer distinct features and pricing, catering to different organizational needs:
- Lightning Platform Starter:
- Custom Objects: Access to 10 custom objects.
- Features: Process Automation, Lightning App Builder, AppExchange, Identity for Employees, and Customizable Reports and Dashboards.
- Cost: Priced at USD 25/user/month (billed annually).
- Additional: The Lightning Console is available for USD 25/user/month.
- Lightning Platform Plus:
- Custom Objects: Access to 110 custom objects.
- Features: Similar to the Starter, it includes Process Automation, Lightning App Builder, AppExchange, Identity for Employees, and Customizable Reports and Dashboards.
- Cost: Priced at USD 100/user/month (billed annually).
- Additional: The Lightning Console is included in the package.
Salesforce Lightning Platform: Starter vs Plus
In the evolving landscape of Salesforce licenses, understanding the differences between Lightning Platform Starter and Lightning Platform Plus is crucial for businesses aiming to optimize their Salesforce experience.
This comprehensive guide dives into the intricacies of these two platforms, helping you make an informed decision tailored to your organization’s needs.
Comparative Analysis of Lightning Platform Starter plus
Salesforce’s Lightning Platform Starter and Lightning Platform Plus cater to organizations with varying scales and needs. While both share core functionalities, they differ in customization, data capacity, and pricing.
Custom Objects Access
- Lightning Platform Starter: Access to 10 custom objects, making it ideal for small-scale implementations or specific departmental needs.
- Lightning Platform Plus: Expands access to 110 custom objects for enterprises managing complex data structures and workflows.
Why It Matters: Organizations with greater customization needs benefit from the extended capacity offered by Plus.
Pricing
- Starter: $25/user/month (billed annually) – a budget-friendly solution for foundational requirements.
- Plus: $100/user/month (billed annually) – reflects its advanced capabilities, including broader customization and access to premium features.
Cost Comparison Insight: While Starter offers core features at a lower price, Plus delivers enhanced scalability for larger enterprises.
Core Features Shared Across Both Plans
- Process Automation: Streamlines workflows and processes.
- Lightning App Builder: Allows easy drag-and-drop app development.
- AppExchange: Access to thousands of Salesforce-approved applications.
- Identity for Employees: Provides secure, unified access management.
- Customizable Reports and Dashboards: Enables robust reporting and data visualization.
Key Differentiator: Lightning Console
- Starter: Not included by default; available as an add-on for $25/user/month.
- Plus, Lightning Console is included at no additional cost.
Why It Matters: The Lightning Console improves productivity by offering a unified, responsive workspace for managing complex tasks.
Target Audience
- Lightning Platform Starter: Best suited for small businesses or departments needing foundational Salesforce functionality with minimal customization.
- Lightning Platform Plus: Tailored for enterprises that require extensive data handling, customization, and premium features to scale their operations.
Quick Feature Comparison
Feature | Lightning Platform Starter | Lightning Platform Plus |
---|---|---|
Custom Objects | 10 | 110 |
Process Automation | Yes | Yes |
Lightning App Builder | Yes | Yes |
AppExchange | Yes | Yes |
Identity for Employees | Yes | Yes |
Customizable Reports | Yes | Yes |
Lightning Console | Add-on ($25/user/month) | Included |
Costs
The cost for each platform is as follows:
- Lightning Platform Starter: USD 25/user/month (billed annually)
- Lightning Platform Plus: USD 100/user/month (billed annually)
Integration and Support Options for Salesforce Lightning Platforms
Effective integration and reliable support are crucial for maximizing the value of Salesforce Lightning Platform Starter and Lightning Platform Plus within your organization. Both versions have strong integration capabilities and flexible support options to ensure smooth operation and scalability.
Integration Capabilities
Salesforce Lightning Platforms are designed to integrate seamlessly with external systems, enabling businesses to create a unified digital infrastructure.
- Platform Integration: Starter and versions directly integrate external applications, databases, and systems, ensuring a cohesive data management experience.
- APIs and Connectors: Robust APIs allow developers to link Salesforce with third-party platforms like ERP systems, CRMs, and marketing tools.
- Customization and Expansion: Businesses can enhance their platform’s capabilities with add-ons, apps, and products available on the Salesforce AppExchange, tailoring functionality to meet specific needs.
Why It Matters: These integration options allow organizations to centralize their workflows, streamline data sharing, and optimize operational efficiency across various systems.
Support Plans
Salesforce provides structured support options to help businesses effectively manage and troubleshoot their Lightning Platform.
- Standard Success Plan:
- Included by default with both Starter and versions.
- Offers access to self-service resources, including:
- Trailhead: Interactive learning modules for skill-building.
- Help Portal: Guides, articles, and FAQs.
- Community Forums: Peer-to-peer support and discussions.
- Knowledge Articles and Webinars: Practical insights for platform optimization.
- Premier and Signature Success Plans:
- Available as paid upgrades for businesses requiring advanced support.
- Premier Success Plan:
- Provides expert coaching sessions to assist with platform setup, customization, and optimization.
- Offers faster response times for issue resolution.
- Signature Success Plan:
- Delivers 24/7 access to Salesforce experts for mission-critical support.
- Tailored guidance for large-scale implementations and complex integrations.
Why It Matters: These structured plans ensure organizations of all sizes receive the needed support, whether through self-service tools or dedicated expert assistance.
Top 5 Recommendations for Choosing Between Starter plus
Choosing the right Salesforce Lightning Platform requires strategically evaluating your organization’s current needs and future goals. Below are the top recommendations to guide your decision:
How can you assess organizational scale and needs?
Start by evaluating the scale of your operations and the complexity of your business processes.
- Lightning Platform Starter: Ideal for smaller businesses or departments with simple workflows and limited data needs.
- Lightning Platform Plus: Better suited for larger enterprises managing complex data structures and processes requiring advanced customization.
Why It Matters: Understanding your operational scope ensures you select a platform that aligns with your organization’s requirements.
What role does budget play in your decision?
Analyze the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees and long-term value.
- Starter: Priced at $25/user/month (billed annually), providing foundational functionality for budget-conscious businesses.
- Plus: Priced at $100/user/month, reflecting expanded capabilities such as increased custom objects and the Lightning Console.
Why It Matters: Aligning platform costs with your budget ensures you invest in a solution that delivers value without overspending.
How many custom objects will your organization need?
Custom objects are critical for businesses requiring tailored data models.
- Lightning Platform Starter: Supports up to 10 custom objects for simple use cases or departmental needs.
- Lightning Platform Plus: Allows up to 110 custom objects, accommodating complex data requirements and extensive customization.
Why It Matters: Estimating your custom object needs ensures the platform can support your data structure now and as it grows.
How important are integration and support services to your business?
Consider how well the platform integrates with external systems and the level of support your team requires.
- Integration: Both Starter and offer strong integration capabilities, but businesses with advanced requirements may benefit more from Plus.
- Support Services:
- Standard support is included with both plans.
- Premier and Signature support plans are available for businesses requiring additional guidance, faster response times, and 24/7 support.
Why It Matters: Seamless integration and reliable support ensure a smooth user experience and prevent workflow disruptions.
Will the platform accommodate future scalability?
Evaluate your organization’s growth potential and how each platform can adapt to future demands.
- Lightning Platform Starter: Suitable for smaller organizations with predictable needs but may require an upgrade as the business grows.
- Lightning Platform Plus: Offers scalability with expanded custom objects and advanced features, making it a better choice for long-term growth.
Why It Matters: Selecting a scalable platform ensures you avoid costly migrations or disruptions as your organization evolves. Ensure that the platform you select aligns perfectly with your business’s present and future requirements.
FAQs
What is the Salesforce Lightning Platform? It is a cloud-based platform for building apps and managing customer data.
How do the Starter and versions differ? Starter offers basic app development and standard support, while Plus provides advanced app development, increased storage, premium support, and more customization options.
Who should use the Starter version? The Starter version is ideal for small businesses or teams that need basic app functionality and have limited storage needs.
Who should use the Plus version? The Plus version suits larger businesses with complex app development needs, requiring more storage and premium support.
What are the key features of the Starter version? Starter includes basic app development, limited storage, standard support, and essential customization options.
What are the key features of the Plus version? It offers advanced app development, increased storage, premium support, and extensive customization options.
Can I upgrade from Starter to Plus? Yes, you can upgrade to Plus to access additional features and support.
How does app development differ between Starter Plus? Starter supports basic app development with essential tools, while Plus includes advanced development tools for more complex apps.
What kind of support is included in the Starter version? Starter provides standard support with basic assistance and troubleshooting.
What kind of support is included in the Plus version? It offers premium support, priority access to Salesforce experts, and faster response times.
How much storage does each version provide? The starter includes limited storage that is suitable for small-scale operations. Plus, it offers increased storage to handle larger data volumes.
Are there differences in customization options? Starter includes essential customization options, while Plus allows for more extensive and detailed customizations.
What are the costs associated with each version? Costs vary based on the specific needs and scale of your organization. Starter is typically more affordable, while Plus offers more features at a higher price.
Is there a trial available for these versions? Salesforce often provides trials for its platforms. Check the Salesforce website for the latest trial offers.
How do I decide which version is right for my business? When choosing between Starter and, consider your business size, app development needs, storage requirements, and support preferences.