salesforce

Understanding Salesforce Identity Licenses

Introduction to Salesforce Identity Licenses

In the complex world of Salesforce, understanding the nuances of licensing can be a game-changer.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify Salesforce Identity Licenses, a crucial aspect of Salesforce that often goes unnoticed.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Salesforce Identity Licenses: These are a subset of Salesforce licenses that allow organizations to control their users’ access to Salesforce data.
  • Identity Services: All employees with a paid Salesforce license in the Enterprise, Unlimited, Performance and Developer Editions have full access to Salesforce identity services.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Salesforce identity licenses enable users to log in via the Salesforce single sign-on (SSO) without requiring a full CRM license.
  • External Identity License: External Identity license types grant access to Salesforce Customer Identity, which allows customers and partners to self-register and log in.

Understanding Salesforce Identity Licenses

what are salesforce identity licenses

Salesforce Identity Licenses are a unique subset of Salesforce licenses. They are designed to give organizations granular control over their users’ access to Salesforce data and authenticate them across different applications.

This control is crucial in maintaining the security and integrity of an organization’s data.

For instance, a sales representative might need access to a client’s contact information but not their financial records. With Salesforce Identity Licenses, organizations can ensure that each user has access to the data they need and nothing more.

You can visit Salesforce’s official documentation to understand more about Salesforce Identity Licenses.

What Is the Difference Between Salesforce Identity Licenses and Salesforce Licenses?

salesforce identity licenses vs salesforce


Salesforce Identity Licenses are a subset of Salesforce licenses, but they differ in their functionalities and pricing.

While Salesforce licenses offer access to various applications and functionalities, Salesforce Identity Licenses are designed explicitly for identity and access management.

Salesforce Identity Licenses are priced separately from Salesforce licenses and are available in different editions, including External Identity, Customer Community, and Partner Community.

Deep Dive into Salesforce Identity Services

Salesforce Identity Services is a suite of features with every paid Salesforce license. These services include:

  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Allows users to log into multiple applications with just one set of credentials.
  • Social Sign-On: This enables users to log in using their social media credentials.
  • User Provisioning: Automates creating, updating, and deactivating user accounts.

With Salesforce Identity Services, organizations can streamline their user management processes.

For example, single sign-on allows users to log into multiple applications with just one set of credentials. This improves the user experience and enhances security by reducing the number of passwords that users need to remember.

Salesforce’s official guide is an excellent resource for more insights on Salesforce Identity Services.

Exploring User Licenses in Salesforce

In Salesforce, every user must be assigned precisely one user license. This license determines the baseline of features that the user can access. Salesforce provides a variety of user licenses to cater to different user needs.

For example, a Salesforce Identity License allows users to log in via the Salesforce single sign-on (SSO) without requiring a full CRM license. This is particularly useful for users who need access to Salesforce data but do not need the full functionality of the CRM.

The Power of Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a feature that allows users to use one set of login credentials to access multiple applications. In the context of Salesforce, SSO is enabled by Salesforce Identity Licenses.

With SSO, users no longer need to remember multiple passwords for different applications.

This not only improves the user experience but also enhances security. The risk of password-related security breaches is significantly reduced by reducing the number of passwords.

External Identity License: A Closer Look

Salesforce’s External Identity License is a special license that grants access to Salesforce Customer Identity. This allows customers and partners to self-register and log in.

With an External Identity License, organizations can provide a seamless user experience for their customers and partners.

This is particularly useful for organizations with a large customer or partner base that must manage their access to Salesforce data efficiently.

How Much Is the Salesforce External Identity License to Purchase?

salesforce external identity

The Salesforce External Identity License is a specific edition of Salesforce Identity Licenses designed for organizations that must give their customers, partners, and contractors access to their Salesforce platform.

The External Identity License is priced at $10 per user per month and offers various features, including:

  • Single Sign-On.
    An External Identity License allows external users to sign in once and access multiple applications without signing in again.
  • Custom Branding.
    The External Identity License enables organizations to customize their login page and branding, providing a seamless user experience.
  • Access Management.
    The External Identity License allows businesses to control access to their Salesforce platform and data, ensuring that external users only have access to the information they need.

FAQs

What are Salesforce Identity Licenses?

Salesforce Identity Licenses are a subset of Salesforce licenses that allow organizations to manage their users’ access to Salesforce applications and data.

How do Salesforce Identity Licenses differ from Salesforce licenses?

Salesforce Identity Licenses are designed explicitly for identity and access management, while Salesforce licenses offer access to various applications and functionalities.

How much is the Salesforce External Identity License?

The Salesforce External Identity is priced at $10 per user per month and is designed for organizations that need to provide external users access.

What is an External Identity License?

External Identity License types grant access to Salesforce Customer Identity, which allows customers and partners to self-register and log in.

With an External Identity License, organizations can offer a seamless user experience, control access to their Salesforce platform and data, and customize their login page and branding.

Overall, Salesforce Identity Licenses offer excellent solutions for businesses managing their users’ Salesforce applications and data access.

Conclusion

Understanding and effectively managing Salesforce Identity Licenses can significantly enhance your organization’s Salesforce experience.

By providing granular control over user access, Salesforce Identity Licenses ensure that your Salesforce data remains secure while delivering a seamless user experience.

With best practices in place, you can maximize the value of your Salesforce investment and drive your organization’s success.

Remember, Salesforce is a powerful tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how well you use it. So, leverage Salesforce Identity Licenses to their fullest potential and watch your organization soar to new heights.

Author

  • Fredrik Filipsson

    Fredrik Filipsson possesses 20 years of experience in Oracle license management. Having worked at Oracle for 9 years, he gained an additional 11 years of expertise in Oracle license consulting projects. Fredrik has provided assistance to over 150 organizations worldwide, ranging in size and tackling various Oracle licensing challenges, including Licensing Assessments, Oracle audits, Oracle ULAs, and more.