The companies said that they are planning to release 'Salesforce1 for Windows and Windows 8.1'. This solution, which is scheduled to be generally available in 2015, will allow customers to access Salesforce's platform and customer relationship management (CRM) tools and "run their business from their Windows devices".
In addition, the companies intend to build greater interoperability between Salesforce's technology and Microsoft's 'Office 365' cloud computing platform.
"New interoperability between Salesforce and Office 365 will give customers access to the content they need to collaborate, sell, service and market from virtually anywhere," the companies said.
Among the advantages foreseen by the closer tie-up is the ability of businesses to connect CRM data gathered through Salesforce's tools with Microsoft's spreadsheet software package 'Excel' and its analytics tool 'Power BI' so as customers can "visualise information and find new insights".
"We are excited to partner with salesforce.com and help customers thrive in a mobile and cloud-first world,” Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said. "Working together we’ll deliver new solutions that connect the customer insights of Salesforce to the cloud productivity of Office 365, the cloud platform of Azure and the mobility of Windows, so our customers can do more."
"Together with Microsoft, we are building bridges that allow customers to be more productive," Salesforce chairman and chief executive Marc Benioff said.
