Feature Articles

Just as cloud computing has transformed CRM and other core business functions, several industry leaders have joined together to help create an end-to-end cloud solution for marketing applications. Launched for the first time at Dreamforce 2009, the Marketing Cloud is a collection of cloud-based marketing services designed to “make internal marketing operations more efficient and external marketing programs more effective.”

Founded as an alliance between Alfresco, Demandbase, Hoovers (a D&B company), Marketo, Jigsaw, ON24 and PivotLink, the Marketing Cloud is positioned to deliver fast, easy and cost-effective options for marketers to integrate data silos, automate processes, foster collaboration and develop actionable marketing insights.

With most physical events struggling to draw attendees, it was a bit mind-blowing to be at an event where the aisles were literally packed and you had to wade through traffic to get to your next meeting. That was the scene at last week’s Dreamforce event where more than 15,000 people “gathered in the clouds” to hear about and see the latest integrations with salesforce.com. There was growing momentum for the marketing automation space as well, with each of the major solution providers enjoying packed booths and generating “hundreds” of leads during the three day expo.