What Are Native Salesforce Apps and Why Are They Better?
If you’re already investing in Salesforce, why not go all in? That’s the philosophy behind Native Salesforce Apps—powerful tools built entirely within the Salesforce ecosystem that deliver unmatched performance, security, and user experience.
In this blog, we’ll break down what Native Salesforce Apps are, how they differ from non-native solutions, and why more organizations are choosing them to streamline operations and enhance user productivity.
What Are Native Salesforce Apps?
A Native Salesforce App is an application that is 100% developed and hosted within the Salesforce Platform. It uses Salesforce’s core programming languages and tools—such as Apex, Lightning Web Components (LWC), Visualforce, and the Salesforce database. It does not rely on external APIs, servers, or third-party databases.
This means everything—data storage, logic, user interface, security, and performance—lives and runs entirely inside Salesforce.
Not All AppExchange Apps Are Native
While you’ll find thousands of applications on the Salesforce AppExchange, only a small percentage are truly native. In fact, of the 9000+ apps listed, as per estimates, fewer than 20% meet the strict criteria of being built entirely within Salesforce.
Most others use some form of external processing or require integration with outside systems, which introduces added complexity, cost, and potential security risks.
Why Native Salesforce Apps Are Better
1. Enhanced Security
Because native apps operate inside your Salesforce Org, your data never leaves the Salesforce environment. You avoid the need for external data sharing, reducing exposure to breaches or compliance issues. Plus, you benefit from Salesforce’s enterprise-grade security protocols.
2. Seamless Performance
Native Salesforce Apps are optimized for the platform, meaning faster load times, minimal latency, and reliable performance. Since there are no calls to external servers, everything works in real time—no syncing delays or timeouts.
3. Familiar User Experience
Because native apps use standard Salesforce UI components, they feel like Salesforce. Your users don’t have to learn a new system or interface—no additional training is required. Adoption rates skyrocket when the app blends seamlessly into the platform they already know.
4. Easy Customization
Since the app is built with Salesforce-native tools, your internal admins and developers can extend, modify, or automate workflows without involving third-party vendors. Add fields, update page layouts, or automate with Flow—all using your existing team’s Salesforce skills.
5. Scalable and Future-Proof
When Salesforce releases new features (like Flow enhancements or LWC upgrades), native apps can immediately take advantage of them. You stay up to date without waiting for third-party integrations to catch up.
6. Real-Time Reporting
All your data stays within Salesforce, so you can report on it instantly using native tools like Reports and Dashboards. No more batch uploads or periodic sync jobs—you always get real-time insights.
7. Higher Uptime & Reliability
Native apps run on Salesforce’s trusted infrastructure, known for its 99.9%+ uptime. You don’t have to rely on a third-party vendor’s server availability or support response time.
When a Native App Might Not Be the Right Fit
While Native Salesforce Apps offer plenty of advantages, there are a few scenarios where a non-native app might make sense:
- If the app needs to pull data from other platforms (like social media feeds, external CRMs, or data enrichment services).
- For heavily customized workflows that require computing power or functionality beyond what Salesforce can support internally.
- If the app must process high volumes of data beyond platform limits (API calls, storage, CPU time, etc.), developers may offload tasks externally.
How to Identify Native Salesforce Apps on AppExchange
Looking for Native Salesforce Apps on the AppExchange? It’s easy:
To determine if an application is a native Salesforce app, consider the following approaches:
- Go to Salesforce AppExchange
- Review the AppExchange Listing:
- Supported Features Section: Examine the AppExchange listing for a “Native App” designation. This label indicates that the application is built entirely within the Salesforce platform.
- Consult the App Documentation:
- Look for statements in the app’s documentation or official materials confirming that it is developed exclusively using Salesforce technologies, such as Apex and Lightning Web Components (LWC). It operates entirely within the Salesforce environment without relying on external systems.
4. Contact the App Provider:
1. If the listing and documentation do not explicitly confirm the app’s native status, contact the app provider directly for clarification.
Following these steps, you can accurately identify native Salesforce applications that align with your organization’s requirements.
Why SOLFI is a Great Native App Choice
If you’re looking for a no-code, user-friendly, and 100% native solution to boost your team’s productivity, SOLFI fits the bill.
- Built entirely on Salesforce
- No third-party integrations
- Lightning-fast performance
- Zero-code setup
- Instant deployment across teams
SOLFI doesn’t just integrate with Salesforce. It is Salesforce.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right app isn’t just about functionality but fit, future readiness, and flexibility. Native Salesforce Apps give you the best of all worlds: tighter security, seamless integration, and scalable performance without stepping outside your existing tech stack.
So next time you’re exploring a solution on the AppExchange, ask yourself:
“Why integrate when you can go native?”
Ready to experience the power of Native Salesforce Apps?
Try SOLFI and simplify Salesforce for your entire organization.