Anyone who has been using Salesforce Data Cloud (DC) and who has connected SFDC to multiple instances will have come across the new Salesforce Identity License (that’s how Salesforce spell licence, not me).
With an Identity License, you can give an external user (by external user, I mean someone in the organisation who should not have access to your CRM data) secure access to Data Cloud on your instance of Salesforce. Let’s have a slightly deeper dive.
Salesforce Identity License
A Salesforce Identity License is designed to provide users with access to identity services within Salesforce without requiring a full Salesforce license. It enables organisations to manage authentication, authorization, and user access efficiently. Sweet.
What Is a Salesforce Identity License Used For?
Salesforce Identity licenses allow users to leverage identity-related features, such as:
- Single Sign-On (SSO) – Users can log in to multiple applications using a single set of credentials, reducing password fatigue and improving security.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity with a second factor.
- Identity Connect – Integrates Salesforce with Microsoft Active Directory, ensuring seamless user provisioning and authentication.
- Custom Login Flows – Organizations can create tailored login experiences for different user groups. This can be very nice for users.
- External Identity Management – Businesses can authenticate external users, such as customers and partners, using Salesforce Identity.
Salesforce Identity licenses are available in different editions, including Identity Only License and External Identity License.
- The Identity Only License is ideal for employees who need access to identity services but not full Salesforce functionality.
- The External Identity License is designed for customers, partners, and other external users who need secure access to Experience Cloud sites.
Salesforce Identity User Profile
A Salesforce Identity Profile defines the permissions and access levels for users with an Identity license. It ensures that users can authenticate and interact with the system securely while restricting access to unnecessary features.
Key aspects of an Identity User Profile include:
- Limited Object Access – Identity users can access standard objects and a limited number of custom objects. Useful for Data Cloud.
- Authentication Controls – Profiles enforce security measures like MFA and SSO.
- Experience Cloud Integration – External Identity users can self-register, log in, and manage their profiles.
Summary
Salesforce Identity licenses and profiles help organizations streamline user authentication, enhance security, and provide seamless access to applications. Whether managing internal employees or external users, these tools ensure a secure and efficient identity management system.
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