SALESFORCE PRODUCTION VS SANDBOX
When setting up a Salesforce instance, enterprise clients are faced with two main options: Production and Sandbox. While the core functions of each may be the same, there are significant differences between the two deployed systems. Understanding these differences is critical for enterprise clients looking for a full-featured, secure, and reliable release management, data backup and recovery, and security solutions for the Salesforce platform.
Both Production and Sandbox may use the same Salesforce instance but they are deployed with different goals in mind. Production, which is the main operational version, allows users to work with live data and is typically deployed directly from Salesforce. Sandbox, on the other hand, exists to create a testing or staging environment, where developers can modify configurations, add new features, and test code.
As the primary system for enterprise clients, Production offers the highest level of security and reliability. Any changes or updates are deployed in 'production-ready' state and are live from the start. Any modifications or tweaks are made in controlled steps and safe environments, allowing enterprise users the most accurate view of how changes will affect the organization.
For testing purposes, Sandbox is the best system to use. The testing process allows users to make changes in a 'safe' space where none of the changes will reflect back to the live system. This allows users to deploy new features or modifications without the risk of disrupting live data or putting current operations at risk. Sandbox can provide users with a complete picture of the updated system before making any changes to the Production Salesforce instance.
It is also important to note that Sandbox can be set up as a separate server away from the Production instance for better testing or specific organizational needs. This can create a more secure environment for users to test major changes, as all modifications made are kept away from the live system.
For enterprise clients deploying a Salesforce instance, the differences between Production and Sandbox can provide an understanding of the various options available when managing the platform. Production is designed as the main operational version while Sandbox is the ideal testing environment to ensure any changes are deployed in a safe and controlled manner. For the best release management, data backup and recovery, and security solution for the Salesforce platform, enterprise users need to understand the various options at their disposal.
