7 Reasons For Running SOC 2 and GRC Policies on Salesforce

7 Reasons For Running SOC 2 and GRC Policies on Salesforce

Sep 22, 2023 | SOC 2 for Salesforce Partners

You’ve heard the phrase “eating your own dog food,” a business colloquialism that speaks to the act of using your own products to validate their quality. For Salesforce ISV Partners, managing SOC2 Control Matrix and IT Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (IT GRC) Policies on Salesforce is a classic case of practicing what you preach. Needless to say, a vast majority of businesses consider governance, risk, and compliance features when selecting a platform. But what exactly are the advantages of using the Salesforce platform to run your SOC 2 controls and IT GRC Policies?

 

This blog post explores five business benefits Salesforce delivers when transitioning towards these frameworks.

 

1. Centralized Control

Running your SOC2 Control Matrix and IT GRC Policies on Salesforce brings everything under one roof. A centralized view aids in real-time monitoring and quick adjustments.

2. Customization

Salesforce’s platform is extraordinarily customizable. You can tailor your SOC2 and IT GRC protocols to fit the specific needs and processes of your organization.

3. Ecosystem Synergy

Your business probably already relies on Salesforce for CRM, customer service, or marketing. Extending the platform to cover governance and compliance streamlines operations and minimizes data silos.

4. Auditing Made Easier

Salesforce has robust built-in auditing features that automatically track changes, making it significantly easier to maintain and prove compliance.

5. High-Security Standards

Salesforce is a SOC2-compliant platform. Running your compliance protocols on a platform that is already aligned with high-security standards assures better protection. From our own experience, by integrating compliance metrics within the CRM we get faster response time to security incidents.

6. Scalability

As your organization grows, so will your compliance requirements. Salesforce’s scalable architecture ensures you’re well-equipped to adapt to these evolving needs.

7. Utilizing Professional Services Automation (PSA) Tools

PSA solutions like Klient PSA offer features explicitly designed for governance, risk management, and compliance. These features can simplify integrating and managing your SOC2 and IT GRC requirements on Salesforce.

 

Running your SOC 2 Control Matrix and IT GRC Policies on Salesforce isn’t just practical, it’s a strategic move that can simplify compliance, improve security, and provide a competitive edge. The time to integrate is now.

In another blog post of this collection, we explore what SOC 2 compliance can bring to your business as a Salesforce ISV Partner.

Simplify your SOC 2 journey by leveraging tools specifically designed to support governance, risk, and compliance. Join the Klient Ecosystem to gain exclusive access to our Control Matrix templates and IT GRC Policies.

 

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Understanding SOC 2 for Salesforce ISV Partners

Understanding SOC 2 for Salesforce ISV Partners

Sep 21, 2023 | SOC 2 for Salesforce Partners

For business leaders in Salesforce’s Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Partners program, cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business imperative. Security and privacy of client data should be as habitual as your daily coffee. But how can you ensure you’re meeting the standards?

Enter SOC 2, a framework for managing customer data based on five trust service principles: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

According to a Cybersecurity Insiders report, 43% of data breaches* involve internal actors, including employees, contractors, and third-party suppliers. This challenge highlights the need for comprehensive internal controls like SOC 2.

 * Source: 30 crucial cybersecurity statistics [2023]: data, trends and more. Zippia, June 15, 2023.

What is SOC 2, and why is everyone talking about it?

System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2) is an auditing procedure—developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)—that helps service providers securely manage customer data. Organizations can effectively protect their customer’s interests and privacy by following the framework principles or criteria.

The SOC 2 criteria relate to:

  1. Security: Ensure the system is protected against unauthorized access.
  2. Availability: Confirm the system is operational and available as agreed upon.
  3. Processing Integrity: Guarantee that the system processes are functioning as intended.
  4. Confidentiality: Make sure data access and disclosure is restricted to a specified set of individuals or organizations.
  5. Privacy: Manage personal information according to privacy policies, regulations, and AICPA’s criteria. 

For Salesforce ISV Partners, SOC 2 serves as a structured guide to evaluate and ensure robust cybersecurity practices.

 

Why SOC 2 certification matters for Salesforce ISV Partners?

Salesforce ISV Partners often have access to critical and sensitive customer data, amplifying the importance of a trusted security framework. Moreover, SOC 2 provides many competitive advantages:

  1. Builds Trust: Clients want assurance that their data is secure.
  2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: SOC 2 aligns with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy laws and regulations in North America and around the world.
  3. Business Continuity: Robust security protocols minimize the risks of costly interruptions.
  4. Facilitates Business Transactions: Many B2B customers demand SOC 2 compliance before entering contracts.

Recent industry research by Gartner indicates that a majority of businesses now require SOC 2 compliance for cloud services, a factor that Salesforce ISV Partners cannot afford to overlook.

 

Preparing the journey ahead: a roadmap for SOC 2

For those in the phase of searching why and how to implement SOC 2, here’s a simplified roadmap you can use:

  1. Scope Assessment: Identify what data, systems, and processes fall under SOC 2.
  2. Gap Analysis: Compare current controls against SOC 2 requirements.
  3. Implement Controls: Establish new security measures to fill gaps.
  4. Third-party Audit: Engage a third party to verify compliance.
  5. Ongoing Monitoring: Keep regular tabs on security controls.

As part of your security and compliance journey, having the right tools and policies in place is vital. A PSA (Professional Services Automation) solution like Klient PSA can simplify the compliance process, offering companies working on Salesforce built-in controls that align with SOC 2 standards. But more on that later.

Implementing SOC 2 for Salesforce ISV Partners isn’t a mere check-box exercise, it’s a long-term commitment to your customers, and a pledge to uphold the highest data security and privacy standards in your industry. Furthermore, by understanding what SOC 2 entails and why it’s critical, you set the foundation for an unbreakable bond of trust between your customers and your business.

 

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Klient Achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Certification

Klient Achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Certification

Sep 7, 2023 | News, SOC 2 for Salesforce Partners

Elevating trust and security to the next level

We’re thrilled to announce that Klient has successfully achieved SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, as verified by our auditing partner firm on September 5th, 2023. For a company that prides itself on simplifying professional service operations, integrating processes, and elevating team productivity, this milestone amplifies our commitment to security and trust.

But what does this mean, and how does it impact you, our valued clients? Let’s dive in.

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing procedure developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). This certification focuses on a business’s non-financial reporting controls as they relate to the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. A SOC 2 Type 2 report, in particular, details the effectiveness of these controls over a defined period. In simple terms, it’s a gold standard for security and data protection.

What This Milestone Means for Klient Customers?

Unmatched Security

Klient PSA is already trusted by the fastest-growing professional services teams in the world, and our SOC 2 Type 2 certification further solidifies this trust fostering a robust bond between us and you, our customers. Our platform, which is 100% Salesforce native, is designed to unify your sales, projects, support, and billing—now with the assurance of world-class security standards.

Enhanced Data Management

One of our key benefits is offering a unified data source for better decision-making. With SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, the data you entrust to Klient PSA is not only accessible but also secure, meeting the highest industry standards.

Seamless yet Secure Collaboration

Our goal has always been to facilitate seamless interactions across all stakeholders. With the added layer of SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, you can collaborate with your team, manage resources, and keep your customers in the loop without compromising on data security.

Klient’s SOC 2 Framework for Salesforce ISVs

We’ve developed a SOC 2 framework tailored specifically for Salesforce Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in the process of getting certified. What makes this milestone even more exciting is that we’re not keeping the good stuff to ourselves. Our framework runs on Klient’s PSA platform and is available for free!

Why We Did It?

We recognize the unique challenges that come with achieving SOC 2 compliance, particularly in a Salesforce environment. Our experience has equipped us with valuable insights and recipes that we believe can benefit the wider Salesforce ecosystem.

How Can You Benefit?

Our SOC 2 framework serves as a comprehensive guide that accelerates the certification process. Whether you are a professional service organization or a Salesforce ISV, our framework empowers you to achieve SOC 2 Type 2 compliance with significantly less friction.

Building a secure data platform

Achieving SOC 2 Type 2 certification is not just a milestone for us but a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering a platform that is as secure as it is efficient. As always, our mission remains to help you deliver projects every time, all while ensuring your data’s utmost security.

Our certification is an embodiment of our core values—innovation, trust, mutual growth, and a balance of hard work with enjoyment. We continue to strive for unparalleled customer experiences, and this achievement marks another step toward that goal.

You want to use Klient’s SOC 2 framework for Salesforce ISVs? Contact us.

 

 

 

3 Benefits of Salesforce’s Rich Ecosystem

3 Benefits of Salesforce’s Rich Ecosystem

Aug 31, 2023 | Analytics & Reports, Klient Tips, Project Managers

Klient Tips #31

FOR PROJECT MANAGERS

3 Benefits of Salesforce’s Rich Ecosystem

How Salesforce Can Make Your Projects Better.

Salesforce has a strong global network and support ecosystem (Trailblazer community, AppExchange marketplace, Dreamforce). There is a massive amount of experts (firms, users, consultants) in this ecosystem that add services and products on top of your Salesforce implementation. This vast network of resources can be highly beneficial for elevating your team skills, and project management capacities. These resources include:

1- Diverse Integrations: From invoicing to Artificial Intelligence to analytics.
2- Plug, Play & Prosper Tools: Use plugins, apps and extensions as you need.
3- Custom Solutions: If it doesn’t exist, create it!

Explore the vast world of Salesforce, a treasure trove of tools and possibilities. Dive in and discover this thriving ecosytem with Klient PSA by your side!

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Automate and Elevate Your Projects with Salesforce

Automate and Elevate Your Projects with Salesforce

Aug 31, 2023 | Klient Tips, Project Managers

Klient Tips #30

FOR PROJECT MANAGERS

Automate and Elevate Your Projects with Salesforce

How Salesforce Can Make Your Projects Better.

Across all professional services departments, process automation will help improve project efficiency and team productivity. Automation tools are no longer a “nice-to-have”, they’re a “must-have” to remain a competitive service provider and improve overall business performance. For companies adapting to a shifting labor market, automation can also help combat employee burnout and improve work-life balance. Step into the future with Salesforce automation and enhanced project management capacities.

1- Get Rid of Repetitive Tasks: Automate routine duties.
2- Streamlined Workflows: No more redundancies.
3- Optimized Resources: Use Salesforce apps like Klient PSA for better allocation.

Work smarter, not harder. Automate and deliver successful projects every time with Salesforce and Klient PSA!

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Power Customer Experience on your Projects with Salesforce

Power Customer Experience on your Projects with Salesforce

Aug 31, 2023 | Klient Tips, Project Managers

Klient Tips #29

FOR PROJECT MANAGERS

Power Customer Experience on your Projects with Salesforce

What Salesforce Can Do for Your Projects.

It’s easy for projects to go off track, over budget, or exhaust your most valuable resources. Avoid the real-world hurdles professional services teams face by transforming your customer experience with Salesforce’s Project Management capacities:

1- Real-time Updates: Ensure project transparency at all stages.
2- Trust Building: Tools to foster deeper customer relationships.
3- Client-Centric Design: Always put the client first.

For companies looking to move forward and grow, customer experience is crucial. Klient PSA and Salesforce enhance seamless Customer Experience Management so that your clients always feel valued and engaged.

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Scale Your Professional Services with Salesforce

Scale Your Professional Services with Salesforce

Aug 31, 2023 | Klient Tips, Project Managers

Klient Tips #28

FOR PROJECT MANAGERS

Scale Your Professional Services with Salesforce

What Salesforce Can Do for Your Projects.

Whether it’s a small startup or a global enterprise, Salesforce can scale your Professional Services model to support your ever-growing customer base and project list. Drive growth for your organization through:

1- Effortless Scaling: Manage projects of any size in a framework that puts the customer at the center.
2- No Technological Constraints: Grow without hiccups. Automate for efficiency.
3- Tailored Solutions: With native apps like Klient PSA, you’ll always find solutions fit for your scale.

Sky is the limit. Dream big and let Salesforce and Klient handle the heavy lifting for you!

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Salesforce: The Project Collaboration Powerhouse

Salesforce: The Project Collaboration Powerhouse

Aug 31, 2023 | Klient Tips, Project Managers

Klient Tips #27

FOR PROJECT MANAGERS

Salesforce: The Project Collaboration Powerhouse

What Salesforce Can Do for Your Projects.

One of the best ways to make your projects run smoother is to over-communicate with your stakeholders. Salesforce tools—deployed in a Project Management context—will help you put an end to your disjointed communication flows. Enable effective project collaboration between teams and managers with:

1- Unified Updates: Real-time project statuses.
2- Full Collaboration Toolbox: Teamwork made easy.
3- Integrated Chat: Always stay connected.

The age of siloed teams is over. Use Salesforce and Klient PSA to bridge gaps and foster a winning collaborative spirit.

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Centralized Data: The Heartbeat of Your Project Decisions

Centralized Data: The Heartbeat of Your Project Decisions

Aug 31, 2023 | Klient Tips, Project Managers

Klient Tips #26

FOR PROJECT MANAGERS

Centralized Data: The Heartbeat of Your Project Decisions

How Salesforce Can Make Your Projects Better.

As a Project Manager, do you often find yourself juggling between between apps for data? Say goodbye to that hassle with Salesforce’s centralized project data access. In a nutshell, this means:

1- All-in-One Access: From client information to project specifics, everything lives in one place.
2- No More Data Errors: Less manipulation equals fewer mistakes.
3- Accelerated Decisions: With data at your fingertips, managers can make quicker, more informed choices.

The right data at the right time can be game-changing for teams prioritizing efficiency. Klient PSA and Salesforce make this centralization possible for better project outcomes.

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7 Great Reasons for Using Salesforce for Project Management

7 Great Reasons for Using Salesforce for Project Management

Aug 25, 2023 | Collections, Consulting Businesses, Project Management, Project Management on Salesforce, SaaS, Salesforce Consulting Partners

Deliver Successful Projects Every Time 

Navigating the intricate realm of Project Management Systems can feel like a Herculean task. Each solution promises a unique selling proposition, but finding one that genuinely integrates seamlessly into your existing workflows is the real challenge. Amidst the plethora of choices available, one winning recipe stands out: Project Management on Salesforce. Here’s a closer dive into why running your projects on Salesforce might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

1. Familiar Terrain with Enhanced Functionality

Many organizations already use Salesforce for their customer relationship management. Tapping into the power of Project Management on Salesforce means you’re not venturing into the unknown. Instead, you’re capitalizing on a familiar platform with amplified capabilities tailored for project management.

2. Centralized Data for Coherent Decision-making

One of Salesforce’s core strengths is its data centralization. Imagine not having to jump between applications to access your client’s data or project specifics. Every piece of information you need⁠—from client communication to milestones, from budgeting to team availability⁠—is stored in one centralized hub. This integration drastically reduces errors, enhances efficiency, and accelerates decision-making processes.

3. Seamless Collaboration & Communication

Gone are the days of siloed and disjointed communication workflows. With Salesforce, every stakeholder—be it team members, clients, or vendors—can be in the loop. Real-time updates, effortless collaboration tools, and integrated chat functions mean everyone always stays informed and aligned.

4. Scalability Par Excellence

One of the remarkable aspects of Project Management on Salesforce is scalability. Whether you’re managing a project for a startup or an enterprise-level client, Salesforce scales effortlessly. As your projects grow in complexity and volume, Salesforce— especially with integrations like Klient PSA—grows with you, ensuring that you’re never held back by technological constraints.

5. Enhanced Customer Experience

With Salesforce’s client-centric design, you’re not just managing projects, you’re continuously enhancing customer experience. While clients gain access to real-time project updates and maximal transparency, this openness builds trust⁠—one of the cornerstones of a lasting and profitable business relationship.

6. Automation and Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced business environment, automation isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Salesforce excels in this domain. Routine tasks can be automated, ensuring that your team isn’t bogged down by repetitive work. With Salesforce tools like Klient PSA, you can also streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and eliminate redundancies.

“In a recent survey, nearly 80% of employees reported that automation gave them more time to deepen relationships with customers and other stakeholders, take on challenging new projects, and learn new skills.” Juan Perez is EVP and CIO of Salesforce. Source: Harvard Business Review

7. Rich Ecosystem of Integrations and Extensions

Salesforce isn’t just a platform, it’s a rich and robust technological ecosystem. This means you benefit from a plethora of plugins, extensions, and integrations. Whether it’s invoicing, resource planning, or advanced analytics, there’s likely a Salesforce integration available to you. And if it isn’t there, the platform’s flexibility ensures you can quickly build one tailored to your specific needs.

In Conclusion

Project management requires precision, efficiency, and solid collaboration. Tools that bolster these elements can be the difference between a project’s heroic success or dismal failure. If you’re in the decision phase, consider the manifold benefits of running your Project Management on Salesforce. Integrations like Klient PSA in Salesforce further elevate this experience, ensuring that as a Project Manager, you’re always several steps ahead, leading your team and delivering successful projects every time. Remember, in today’s digitized world, the right technological platform isn’t just a tool, it’s your strategic partner.