Salesforce extends CRM platform with Desk.com launch

Salesforce has unveiled Desk.com, a customer service tool which will extend the customer relationship management (CRM) platform's reach into the mobile and social networking spaces.

The Desk.com service, designed for customer support and service users, will integrate with Twitter and Facebook, allowing firms to connect their corporate accounts with their helpdesks.

The social network connections are intended to help companies deliver support to users directly through social networks.

Additionally, the Desk.com platform will be available as a mobile-optimised HTML5 application. It is designed for small businesses and mobile employees and will similarly integrate with the helpdesk.

Salesforce believes the tool will extend its helpdesk service to smaller firms as well as add the ability to directly connect with customers via the web sites and platforms they are most comfortable using.

"We built Desk.com so that every company can deliver personal customer service in a social and mobile world," said Salesforce Desk.com vice president and general manager Alex Bard.

"Desk.com is social at its core, its mobile app instantly lets any employee, anywhere, deliver awesome customer service, and it can be deployed quickly and easily."

The company is offering the Desk.com service under a choice of subscription options. Firms can access the service for a $49-per-agent flat monthly fee, or by an hourly $1 pay-as-you-go plan.