Business Objects Implements Salesforce for 2,154 Users
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"Business Objects was able to quickly configure Salesforce to our business processes and integrate with systems associated to the lead-to-order process, while delivering an application that improved user satisfaction in the field."
Challenge
- Business Objects, the world's leading provider of enterprise business intelligence solutions, was expending resources to maintain three sales force automation (SFA) tools globally
- Standardizing or changing business processes was difficult
- Business Objects wanted to improve user satisfaction of applications and provide new features to improve the overall value of SFA to users
Solution
- Looking for a best-of-breed application, Business Objects deployed Salesforce to 1,400 users in APAC and the Americas within nine months
- Increased to 2,154 users by rolling out the solution in EMEA, and by migrating acquired companies to Salesforce
- Primary users include sales and marketing, although the data is leveraged by many operational groups
- Users are taking advantage of offline access when traveling
- The implementation and transition occurred with minimal disruption to users; user adoption was at 100 percent within one quarter
- Salesforce data are integrated with order capture and Oracle's PeopleSoft financials application to support the lead-to-order process in the Americas
Results
- The Salesforce system has given Business Objects an improved lead-distribution and measurement environment
- Users have a better contact, account, and opportunity management tool, positively affecting sales force productivity
- Business Objects can now implement business process changes more efficiently
- User satisfaction has increased significantly, measured through an internal customer survey

