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Evaluating AppExchange Apps

Whether you browse through the AppExchange category listings or enter a term in the search box, you'll probably want to learn as much as possible about the apps that interest before you install them.

We've put together a few tips to help you with the evaluation process.

1

Take the App for a Spin

Each of the hundreds of apps on the AppExchange has its own page with a wealth of resources and information, including whether it's free or fee-based and how users rate it.

To get a quick feel for the app, click the button that appears to the left at the top of the page:

The Test Drive button lets you try out a fully functional version of the app. You won't be able to save any data while you are test driving, but on the other hand you aren't required to install any software either.

The Demo button lets you view a step-by-step demo of a use case created by the app's publisher.

Under the buttons, you'll see the Overview tab, where you can read a description and feature list for the app. The Publisher tab tells you who stands behind the app, information that can be especially important if you have questions about security.
 

2

Find Out What Other People Think

Next you'll want to visit the Reviews tab and look under Community Reviews to see how users who have installed the app rate it.

In the case of some apps, you can also read a review by a private analyst firm, Infiniti Research, which rates their features and ease of implementation against those of similar offerings. These reviews are displayed in a separate "Analyst Review" section to distinguish them from reviews by members of the AppExchange community.

3

Check Out the Specs

You'll find basic information about Salesforce edition requirements and language compatibility on the Specifications tab. This tab also displays a list of the apps, tabs, and objects you'll install into your Salesforce instance when you click the Get It Now button at the top of the app's listing page.

These specifications will help you determine whether you'll need to upgrade your Salesforce instance in order to complete the install and whether it depends on any external services. (For a list of installation limits by edition, see the FAQ.)

4

Do a Dry Run

By this point you may feel that you've done enough due diligence. But you can get an even better feel for your candidate app by getting a free 30-day trial account from Salesforce and installing it there. You'll be able to use the account for a month to try out the app's features with the data of your choice.

If you really want to see how an app would behave in your environment before installing it, consider adding Salesforce Sandbox to your Salesforce subscription. This service lets you quickly and easily clone your Salesforce instance, creating the most realistic testing environment for installing AppExchange apps.

Good to Go

When you're satisfied with the results of your evaluation, it's time to install the AppExchange app you've selected. For more on that, take a look at the overview on installing apps.