Salesforce OEM vs ISVforce: A Comparison Guide

Selecting the best go-to-market model is crucial for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) developing on the Salesforce platform. OEM and ISVforce are the two main distribution alternatives that Salesforce provides to ISVs. Every model has a unique technical scope, license structure, pricing structure, and business ramifications. 

Understanding the differences between Salesforce OEM vs ISVforce is essential for long-term product success. Whether you’re developing tightly integrated apps for existing Salesforce clients or attempting to attract non-Salesforce users with a standalone solution. 

We’ll go over each model’s features, operation, and which one best fits your business plan in this article. We’ll assist you in determining which course best suits the vision and expansion objectives of your app. From Salesforce CRM compatibility to AppExchange, and licensing flexibility to Salesforce integration services. 

What Is the Salesforce OEM Model and Who Should Use It?

The Salesforce OEM vs ISVforce debate begins with understanding what the OEM model offers. The Salesforce OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model is ideal for ISVs that develop standalone applications for users who may not be Salesforce customers. Instead of requiring end users to buy Salesforce CRM licenses, this model lets ISVs embed Salesforce licenses directly into their applications. 

This built-in licensing model enables users to access selected Salesforce Platform capabilities without having a separate Salesforce subscription. It’s a powerful way for software providers to offer business applications with the backbone of Salesforce, without exposing the user to Salesforce’s core CRM interface. 

According to the official Salesforce ISV guide, an OEM partner can bundle their solution with a Salesforce Platform Embedded License. This license grants access to the Lightning Platform while limiting the use of core Salesforce CRM objects like Leads, Opportunities, and Cases. 

The OEM model works best for industries where CRM is not the primary function but a supportive component. This includes ERP platforms, healthcare systems, data analytics solutions, supply chain tools, and other domain-specific applications that benefit from Salesforce’s infrastructure but don’t rely on its CRM core. 

What Are the Key Benefits of the Salesforce OEM Model?

• Reach Non-Salesforce Customers
  ISVs can market their applications to industries beyond the Salesforce ecosystem, widening their market reach and product relevance.

• Built-in Salesforce Licenses
  End users don’t need separate Salesforce CRM subscriptions. The application includes embedded access to the Salesforce platform.

• No Access to Standard CRM Objects
  OEM apps are restricted from using standard CRM features like Leads and Opportunities. However, custom workflows and objects can replicate many CRM functions.

• Custom Branding and Pricing
  ISVs maintain control over pricing and product branding. This flexibility supports custom go-to-market strategies and licensing models.

• Full Ownership of Customer Relationships
  OEM applications function as standalone products. That means ISVs handle customer management, support, and service delivery independently.

What Is the Salesforce ISVforce Model and When Should You Choose It?

When comparing Salesforce OEM vs ISVforce, understanding the ISVforce model is essential for businesses targeting existing Salesforce users. The ISVforce partnership is designed for Independent Software Vendors that build applications to extend Salesforce CRM capabilities rather than replace them. 

ISVforce apps are made to work inside the Salesforce ecosystem, in contrast to the OEM model. By leveraging built-in automation capabilities, common CRM objects, and data structures that Salesforce users are already familiar with, these apps improve native Salesforce functionalities. 

As outlined by experts like Salesforce Ben, ISVforce partners must align with Salesforce’s licensing structure. This implies that to utilize the application, users must already have an active Salesforce membership. Deep integration, more customization options, and an improved user experience are the outcomes. 

The ISVforce approach works best for ISVs creating apps that:  

• Boost customer service, marketing, or sales processes powered by Salesforce

• Integrate predictive analytics, automation, or artificial intelligence with Salesforce data.

• Make improvements to Salesforce Cloud solutions that are industry-specific.

• Require seamless connectivity with other Salesforce Integration Services.

What Are the Main Benefits of the ISVforce Model?

• Native Integration with Salesforce CRM
  ISVforce applications can tap into standard CRM features like Leads, Cases, and Opportunities, offering a fully embedded experience.

• Advanced Salesforce Development Services Support
  These apps can leverage automation, flows, and triggers native to Salesforce, enabling rich user experiences and efficient workflows.

• Requires Salesforce Licenses
  Customers must be Salesforce users, meaning your app’s audience is limited to the existing Salesforce CRM user base.

• Presence on Salesforce AppExchange
  All ISVforce solutions must be published on Salesforce AppExchange, giving them exposure to millions of active Salesforce customers.

• Revenue Sharing Model
  ISVs must share a percentage of their app revenue with Salesforce, as defined in their partnership agreement.

Salesforce OEM vs ISVforce: Pros and Cons

When looking at the two alternatives of Salesforce OEM and ISVforce requires assessing the pros and cons of each option individually. The two frameworks have different cases of use, technology approaches, and marketing objectives. Your decision will depend on how your application is using Salesforce CRM, who the marketing audience is, and the overall business goals for your company. 

Here’s a comparison of the frameworks for key dimensions: 

Why Choose the Salesforce OEM Model?

For businesses creating stand-alone apps that don’t need extensive connection with Salesforce CRM, the OEM model is perfect. It is a fantastic fit for ISVs aiming to reach businesses where CRM is not a key component of the product because it provides freedom in branding, pricing, and user management. 

Key Benefits:

• Broader Market Reach
  Sell your app to non-Salesforce users by embedding Salesforce licenses—no need for customers to purchase separate Salesforce subscriptions.

• Independent Branding and Licensing
  Maintain complete control over your pricing strategy, licensing terms, and user experience without aligning with Salesforce’s subscription model.

• Custom Solutions with Standalone Value
  Create applications tailored to a particular industry using unique objects and procedures; these are perfect for fields like data analytics, logistics, and healthcare.

• No Direct Dependency on Salesforce CRM
  Great for products that use Salesforce as a backend infrastructure but don’t rely on core CRM features.

Challenges to Consider:

• Limited Access to Standard Salesforce Features
  OEM apps can’t use core Salesforce CRM functionalities like Leads or Opportunities, which may be restrictive for sales-focused solutions.

• Higher Custom Development Costs
  To replicate the capabilities that would typically be built into Salesforce CRM out of the box, you’ll probably need to develop customized logic and interfaces.

• May Not Suit Existing Salesforce Customers
  OEM apps could seem disjointed or more difficult to integrate for users who are already a part of the Salesforce ecosystem.

What Are the Advantages and Drawbacks of the ISVforce Model?

The ISVforce model offers a solid foundation for ISVs looking to develop feature-rich, Salesforce CRM-integrated products for businesses that currently use Salesforce. Since these apps are made to function naturally within the Salesforce ecosystem, they provide tight integration, strong performance, and a high potential for adoption. 

Let’s explore the key strengths and limitations of this approach: 

Benefits of the ISVforce Partnership

• Full Access to CRM Features in Salesforce
  Standard items like Leads, Opportunities, and Cases are completely usable by ISVs. Richer Salesforce development services, automation, and deeper processes are made possible by this.

• Premium Visibility through Salesforce AppExchange
  Apps are directly listed on the Salesforce AppExchange, providing immediate access to millions of Salesforce users looking for reliable solutions.

• Higher Adoption Among Salesforce Users
  Since ISVforce apps are part of the Salesforce environment, users experience minimal friction, resulting in faster onboarding and higher engagement.

• Enterprise-Level Security and Scalability
  These apps benefit from Salesforce’s built-in compliance standards, data protection, and infrastructure scalability, ideal for long-term growth and complex deployments.

Limitations of the ISVforce Model

• Reduced Market Share
  ISVforce apps are only available to companies that currently own a Salesforce license. In contrast to the Salesforce OEM strategy, which permits outreach outside of the Salesforce ecosystem, this restricts the addressable market.

• Agreements for Revenue Sharing
  A percentage of the revenue that ISVs make must go to Salesforce. The pricing strategy may have an effect on overall margins and profitability.

• Limited Flexibility in Licensing
  Pricing schemes need to be in line with Salesforce’s defined structure. This restricts the innovative ways in which ISVs can organize their products or react to pressure from competitors.

Conclusion

The goal of your product, the target market, and how it interacts with CRM, understanding Salesforce OEM vs ISVforce models, with help in determining what you should choose. The OEM model provides greater flexibility and control if your goal is to create a stand-alone application that doesn’t depend on conventional Salesforce objects and seeks wider market access. However, if your solution scales or builds on existing Salesforce capabilities, ISVforce provides you with native support and deeper integration. 

Each scenario has its unique advantages and disadvantages, especially in terms of revenue sharing, client reach, and licensing. If ISVs are mindful of each scenario’s unique benefits and considerations, the ISV can deploy the appropriate model with its solution to maximise growth, scalability, and user happiness. 

Looking to build, scale, or integrate your app on Salesforce? At AnavClouds Software Solutions, we specialize in Salesforce Development Services and guiding ISVs through the right partnership strategy. Let us help you bring your product vision to life, backed by Salesforce’s powerful platform. 

FAQs

What does ISV mean in Salesforce?

ISV stands for Independent Software Vendor. These companies build apps that run on the Salesforce platform. ISVs distribute their solutions through Salesforce AppExchange. Their apps extend Salesforce functionality or serve specific industries. 

How is the OEM model defined in Salesforce?

The Salesforce OEM model lets ISVs embed Salesforce licenses into their standalone apps. This allows non-Salesforce users to access the app without buying separate licenses. It’s ideal for independent solutions built on Salesforce’s platform. However, it excludes standard CRM features. 

How do Salesforce OEM and ISVforce models differ?

OEM apps target non-Salesforce users and can’t use standard CRM objects. ISVforce apps are for existing Salesforce customers and offer deep CRM integration. OEM offers more flexibility; ISVforce delivers tighter platform alignment and AppExchange access. 

Which Salesforce ISV model is better for my business?

It depends on your target audience and how your app uses Salesforce. If you’re building a standalone solution for non-Salesforce users, OEM offers more flexibility. If your app needs full access to Salesforce CRM features and targets existing users, ISVforce is the better fit.