Salesforce.com Review - Partner Programs

Salesforce.com Partner Programs

Salesforce.com compensates partners with referral fees starting at 10 percent of first-year sales, with some minimal incremental margin possible. The low fees have generated widespread grumbling among partners.

Other frustrations include difficult or uncooperative vendor relationships. As reported in CRN (Computer Reseller News): The CEO of one ISV that partners with Salesforce.com called that the biggest surprise of his relationship with the vendor: When integration problems popped up, his company would sometimes end up caught in a "blame game" loop with Salesforce.com, arguing over who owned responsibility for fixing the situation. "

Recently, two top AppExchange executives have left the company and Salesforce.com has scheduled a Web seminar next month to discuss its partner tiering structure. While details are sketchy, the program is not expected to significantly change. More to come on this topic.

Last update: July 16