What Is A Salesforce Native App?

Evaluating new software for your operations can be tough.

It’s a balancing act of considering functionality, pricing, integration, and, of course, meeting everyone’s expectations. For Salesforce customers, there’s another key factor to weigh: is the app Salesforce native?

This term “Salesforce native app” often causes confusion, but it’s an important distinction to make. So, what exactly does it mean for an app to be “Salesforce native,” and how can you identify it? Here, we’ll cover five key questions to help you figure out whether an app truly fits the Salesforce native definition.

What is a Salesforce Native App?

A Salesforce native app is an application that’s built entirely on the Salesforce platform. All parts of the app—its data, security, custom code, and functionality—are developed directly within Salesforce, meaning it runs natively on the Salesforce infrastructure.

In contrast, apps that are not Salesforce native may work with Salesforce or integrate via connectors but rely on external systems. Understanding this difference is crucial because a native app’s benefits often include better performance, deeper integration, and Salesforce’s comprehensive security features.

For more on choosing a native app and the impact it can have for your business on security, extensibility, data integrity, technical simplicity, user experience, and overall trust in a solution, check out our article, 13 Reasons To Invest In A Salesforce Native App.

Is this app really Salesforce native? How can you tell?

With all the confusion and noise in the market, you’ll need a little more of a discerning eye to find an app that’s truly native. If you’re unsure whether an app is truly Salesforce native, here’s a handy list of questions to ask to help you find out. Credit for some of these questions comes from our friends at SalesforceBen, but we’ve added some and built on the answers here.

As a note, if you can’t find these answers during your research on the app’s website or during a demo, there is absolutely no harm in asking these questions of a sales rep directly. In fact, it might expedite the process.

5 Key Questions to Evaluate a Salesforce Native App

To clear up any confusion when evaluating a Salesforce app, ask these five questions:

1. Does the AppExchange Listing Show the Native Badge?

The easiest way to confirm if an app is truly Salesforce native is to check its AppExchange listing. Apps that are native have a special “Native” badge in the listing’s highlights section. If the app doesn’t carry this designation, it’s likely not a fully native app.

Pro Tip: Some apps offer both native and non-native versions. Be sure to verify that the version you’re reviewing is the native one, as features may vary between the two.

2. Can the App Run Without Salesforce?

A Salesforce native app cannot operate without the Salesforce platform. If an app can be run independently of Salesforce, it’s a clear sign that it’s not fully native. This is where confusion often arises, as many apps with “Native Connectors” can function outside of Salesforce, relying on external infrastructure.

3. Is the Code Built with Salesforce Technologies?

Native apps are written using Salesforce-specific technologies like Visualforce, Apex, and Lightning Web Components. If the app uses code outside these Salesforce languages, it likely isn’t native. This is a technical question you may need to ask during a demo or sales call.

4. Does the App Require a Proprietary API?

Native apps leverage Salesforce’s native API and don’t require an additional proprietary API. If an app needs its own API to function or connect to Salesforce, it’s a signal that the app may only integrate with Salesforce, rather than being built on it.

5. Can Salesforce Data Loader or Import Tools Be Used?

Salesforce native apps use the platform’s standard objects and fields, meaning that Salesforce’s data loader or import tools should work seamlessly with the app. If an app doesn’t support these tools, it’s likely not native.

Why It Matters

Choosing a Salesforce native app can lead to significant benefits, such as tighter integration with your existing Salesforce data, improved security, and less reliance on third-party systems. However, understanding the difference between a native app and one that just integrates with Salesforce is key to making the best decision for your business.

If you’re ever unsure, ask these five questions to guide your evaluation process.

Looking for a native app to streamline mobile forms? Check out Youreka on the Salesforce AppExchange.