Let me walk you through my honest Salesforce Enterprise vs. Salesforce Unlimited comparison guide. Both are powerful CRM solutions by Salesforce, but they cater to different business needs and sizes.
Salesforce Enterprise is tailored for growing businesses with complex needs, offering a comprehensive set of features for customization and integration.
The Unlimited version, however, provides the most extensive features and support, designed for large organizations with even more complex requirements.
The main difference is that Salesforce Enterprise offers limited customization, data storage, and API calls, suitable for mid-sized businesses, while Salesforce Unlimited provides unlimited customization, greater data storage, and higher API limits, catering to large enterprises with complex needs and extensive integrations.
Key Features of Salesforce Enterprise vs. Unlimited Comparison Chart
This table provides a quick summary of the key features of these versions of Salesforce:
| Feature | Salesforce Enterprise | Salesforce Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | ✅ Advanced customization options | ✅ Extensive customization capabilities |
| User Licenses | ✅ Standard support | ✅ 24/7 support |
| Data Storage | ✅ 120 GB | ✅ 200 GB |
| API Calls | ✅ 100,000 per 24 hours | ✅ 500,000 per 24 hours |
| AppExchange Access | ✅ Standard apps available | ✅ Unlimited apps available |
| Reports and Dashboards | ✅ Advanced reporting | ✅ Unlimited reports & dashboards |
| Support | ✅ Standard support | ✅ Premier support with dedicated consultant |
Personal note:
I switched to Salesforce Enterprise because its balance of customization and cost fits perfectly with my mid-sized business needs. While Salesforce Unlimited is fantastic for enterprises needing limitless features and extensive support, Enterprise offers just the right level of flexibility and functionality without the extra cost. It’s like finding the perfect-sized tool for the job—powerful enough to handle complex processes but not overwhelming or overkill for my needs.
What is Salesforce Enterprise and How Does It Work?
Salesforce Enterprise is designed for mid-sized to large organizations that need advanced CRM capabilities. It offers robust customization options, comprehensive integration with other systems, and detailed reporting features. The platform supports complex sales processes, customer service operations, and marketing automation, making it suitable for businesses with specific needs but not requiring the full suite of Salesforce’s capabilities.
Pros of Salesforce Enterprise:
- Advanced customization capabilities.
- Extensive integration options.
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics.
- Robust security features.
- Scalable for medium to large organizations.
Cons of Salesforce Enterprise:
- Higher cost compared to lower-tier plans.
- Complex setup and configuration.
- Limited to standard support levels.
- Less data storage compared to Unlimited plan.
What is Salesforce Unlimited and How Does It Work?
Salesforce Unlimited is the most comprehensive Salesforce edition, offering all the features of Enterprise with additional benefits. It provides the highest level of customization, data storage, and API call limits. The Unlimited edition includes 24/7 support, a dedicated Success Manager, and access to the full range of Salesforce apps, ensuring that organizations with complex needs have all the tools and support they require to thrive.
Pros of Salesforce Unlimited:
- Unlimited customization and app access.
- Highest data storage capacity.
- Extensive API call limits.
- 24/7 premier support.
- Dedicated Success Manager.
Cons of Salesforce Unlimited:
- Most expensive Salesforce edition.
- Complexity may be overwhelming for smaller organizations.
- Overkill for businesses with simpler needs.
- Requires significant investment in training and setup.
Complete Side-by-Side Comparison of Salesforce Enterprise and Unlimited Plans
Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison of the key features for Salesforce Enterprise and Salesforce Unlimited:
1. Customization
Salesforce Enterprise offers robust customization options, including custom objects, fields, and page layouts. It supports advanced workflows and automation processes tailored to specific business needs. However, it has limitations on the number of custom objects and fields, which may restrict highly complex setups.
Salesforce Unlimited takes customization to the next level with unlimited custom objects, fields, and records. It supports extensive automation, including advanced workflows and process builders. This edition is ideal for businesses with highly complex processes and customization requirements.
Verdict: Salesforce Unlimited wins in customization due to its unlimited capabilities, making it suitable for enterprises with complex needs.
2. Data Storage
Salesforce Enterprise provides 120 GB of data storage, which is generally sufficient for mid-sized businesses. It supports the storage of large amounts of CRM data but may require additional storage purchases for very large organizations.
Salesforce Unlimited offers 200 GB of data storage, accommodating the needs of large enterprises with substantial data. This additional capacity ensures that businesses with high data volumes can operate without constraints.
Verdict: Salesforce Unlimited wins in data storage, providing more space for organizations with large data requirements.
3. API Calls
Salesforce Enterprise allows 100,000 API calls per 24 hours. This limit is generally adequate for many businesses, but organizations with high integration needs might find this restrictive.
Salesforce Unlimited increases the limit to 500,000 API calls per 24 hours. This higher limit is beneficial for organizations requiring extensive integrations and frequent data exchanges between systems.
Verdict: Salesforce Unlimited wins in API calls, offering greater flexibility for businesses with extensive integration needs.
4. AppExchange Access
Salesforce Enterprise provides access to a wide range of apps on Salesforce AppExchange. While it includes many useful tools, the number of apps and features might be limited compared to the Unlimited edition.
Salesforce Unlimited offers unlimited access to Salesforce AppExchange apps, including advanced and premium options. This extensive access allows for greater customization and integration with various third-party applications.
Verdict: Salesforce Unlimited wins in AppExchange access, providing broader options for enhancing CRM functionality.
5. Reports and Dashboards
Salesforce Enterprise includes advanced reporting and dashboard capabilities, allowing users to create custom reports and visualize data. However, it has some limitations on the number of custom reports and dashboards.
Salesforce Unlimited provides unlimited custom reports and dashboards, offering extensive options for data analysis and visualization. This edition supports more complex reporting needs and in-depth insights into CRM data.
Verdict: Salesforce Unlimited wins in reports and dashboards, offering unlimited reporting capabilities for detailed data analysis.
6. Support
Salesforce Enterprise includes standard support, with access to Salesforce’s online resources and community forums. Support is generally responsive but does not offer the highest level of personalized assistance.
Salesforce Unlimited features 24/7 premier support with a dedicated Success Manager. This edition ensures immediate assistance and personalized support, which is crucial for large organizations with complex needs.
Verdict: Salesforce Unlimited wins in support, providing superior support levels and personalized assistance.
7. Security
Salesforce Enterprise offers robust security features, including encryption, user access controls, and compliance with industry standards. It ensures the protection of CRM data but may have fewer advanced security features compared to Unlimited.
Salesforce Unlimited provides advanced security features, including enhanced encryption, compliance certifications, and more granular access controls. This edition is designed for organizations with high-security needs.
Verdict: Salesforce Unlimited wins in security, offering more advanced features for enterprises with stringent security requirements.
What to Consider When Choosing Between Salesforce Enterprise and Salesforce Unlimited
1. Business Size and Complexity
When choosing between Salesforce Enterprise and Salesforce Unlimited, consider your company’s size and complexity. Salesforce Enterprise is well-suited for mid-sized businesses with moderate customization needs and standard reporting requirements. It offers sufficient features for most organizations but might fall short for those with intricate workflows or high data volumes.
Salesforce Unlimited, on the other hand, is tailored for large enterprises or those with complex CRM needs. It provides unlimited customization options, extensive data storage, and advanced features, making it ideal for organizations with elaborate processes and high integration demands.
2. Customization Needs
Customization is a critical factor in choosing between the two editions. Salesforce Enterprise offers substantial customization capabilities, including custom objects and fields, but has limits that might restrict highly specialized setups. Salesforce
Unlimited provides unlimited customization options, allowing for extensive tailoring of objects, fields, and processes. If your business requires complex workflows, advanced process automation, or unique data handling, Salesforce Unlimited is better suited to accommodate these needs without restrictions.
3. Data Storage Requirements
Evaluate your data storage needs when deciding between these editions. Salesforce Enterprise offers 120 GB of data storage, which is adequate for many businesses but may require additional purchases for larger data needs. Salesforce
Unlimited provides 200 GB of storage, accommodating organizations with significant data volumes. If your business generates large amounts of data or expects to grow rapidly, the additional storage in Salesforce Unlimited can prevent limitations and ensure smooth operations.
4. Integration and API Calls
The number of API calls you need can impact your choice. Salesforce Enterprise includes 100,000 API calls per 24 hours, which is generally sufficient for many businesses.
However, for companies requiring extensive system integrations or frequent data exchanges, Salesforce Unlimited offers 500,000 API calls per 24 hours. This higher limit facilitates greater flexibility and capacity for integrating with various systems and applications.
5. Support and Service Levels
Consider the level of support required for your organization. Salesforce Enterprise provides standard support with access to online resources and community forums.
While this is adequate for many businesses, Salesforce Unlimited includes 24/7 premier support and a dedicated Success Manager, ensuring immediate assistance and personalized help. If your organization needs high-priority support and dedicated resources, Salesforce Unlimited offers superior service and quicker problem resolution.
Salesforce Enterprise Use Cases:
- Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola uses Salesforce Enterprise to manage its extensive distributor network and streamline its sales processes. With moderate customization, Coca-Cola leverages Enterprise’s features to handle complex workflows and maintain relationships with numerous partners, optimizing its sales and distribution strategies.
- Adobe: Adobe employs Salesforce Enterprise for managing customer interactions and tracking marketing campaigns. The Enterprise edition’s customization options and reporting capabilities help Adobe analyze customer data, streamline marketing efforts, and enhance customer engagement.
Salesforce Unlimited Use Cases:
- Toyota: Toyota utilizes Salesforce Unlimited to support its extensive global operations. With unlimited customization, Toyota tailors Salesforce to fit its complex manufacturing processes, extensive data needs, and high-level integration requirements, ensuring seamless management of its vast automotive network.
- Dell Technologies: Dell Technologies relies on Salesforce Unlimited for its global sales and customer service operations. The Unlimited edition’s advanced features, such as unlimited custom objects and dashboards, allow Dell to handle large volumes of data, complex reporting, and integrations across its international business.
FAQs
- Can I upgrade from Salesforce Enterprise to Unlimited?
- Yes, you can upgrade from Salesforce Enterprise to Unlimited by contacting Salesforce support. The process involves reviewing your current setup and adjusting your subscription accordingly.
- Is Salesforce Unlimited worth the higher cost?
- For large organizations with complex needs, Salesforce Unlimited’s additional features, higher data limits, and premier support can justify the higher cost. It provides a comprehensive solution for intricate CRM requirements.
- Does Salesforce Unlimited include additional training resources?
- Yes, Salesforce Unlimited often includes access to additional training resources and a dedicated Success Manager, which can help in maximizing the use of Salesforce’s features.
- How does Salesforce handle data security in both editions?
- Both Salesforce Enterprise and Unlimited offer robust security features, including encryption and compliance with industry standards. However, Salesforce Unlimited may provide additional security options and higher support levels.
- Can Salesforce Enterprise handle large volumes of data?
- Salesforce Enterprise is capable of handling substantial data volumes, but Salesforce Unlimited offers higher data storage limits and more advanced features for very large data needs.
Is Salesforce Enterprise Better Than Salesforce Unlimited? Takeaway
Salesforce Enterprise is ideal for mid-sized to large organizations needing advanced CRM capabilities without the need for the most extensive features. It provides a robust set of tools suitable for complex processes at a lower cost compared to
Unlimited. Salesforce Unlimited, however, is the top choice for very large organizations or those with highly complex requirements.
It offers the highest level of customization, support, and data capacity. Choose Salesforce Enterprise if you require extensive features but want to manage costs, or Salesforce Unlimited if you need the most comprehensive CRM solution available.