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Managed and Unmanaged packages in Salesforce in 2023 | All You Need to Know
What are the various types of packages in Salesforce? Let's understand!
Unmanaged Package
Think of it as a beautifully wrapped gift box that you can open and see what’s inside. It’s free, the code is visible and you can even move the components from the existing org to any other org even if it’s not related to each other. But on the other hand, it cannot be upgraded once a new version is released and hence you may have to re-install the same in the new org.
Managed Package
A Salesforce managed package has its code hidden and it is introduced to the AppExchange marketplace as a single entity. More like any other app out there, the end user gets all the benefits of the product but does not have access to the code base. Managed packages are commonly preferred among Salesforce partners to distribute and sell applications on AppExchange due to their protected nature. It can be easily upgraded like your operating system and it automatically updates the code.
There are three versions of managed packages
- Managed – Beta: A version of the managed package for testing apps
- Managed – Released: The package is launched on AppExchange and is publicly available
- Managed – Installed: Package is installed from another Salesforce org, but managed
Benefits of Managed packaging
- Full API access for all editions.
- API-accessible components have integrated versioning support.
- Automatic upgrades are available.
- Customers can easily access applications from AppExchange.
- You can branch and patch a previous version.
- You can seamlessly provide subscribers with patch updates.
Don't forget to check out: Why Use Second-Generation Packages in Salesforce?
Key Differences between Managed and Unmanaged Packaging
Managed Packages | Unmanaged Packages |
Easily Customizable and upgradable | Cannot be upgraded and only be customized/ edited in the org they have been installed. |
Highly protected and secure from data threats | High risk for data loss due to lack of review |
It is used to distribute open-source projects or application templates to developers | It is used by Salesforce partners to sell and distribute applications via AppExchange |
It does not count against the total limit of your Salesforce org for tabs and custom objects. | It does count against the total limit of your Salesforce org for tabs and custom objects. |
When to go with Managed or Unmanaged packaging?
On first look, unmanaged packages are great as it’s free, and faster to launch. However, these are best recommended if you are providing a highly customized piece of code for a select few of your high-priority customers. Scalability will be an issue here.
Managed packages on the contrary are the go-to approach if you are looking to tap into the Salesforce ecosystem as a growth stream for your product. It’s scalable, carries the badge of trust having undergone the Salesforce security review and is backed by robust tools to manage the features of your app.
Check out anther amazing blog by Navdita here: What are Rendered, Rerender, RenderAs Attributes? | Salesforce Guide
Having an experienced partner in the development of a managed package is critical for your product’s success in the AppExchange space. We have a solid track record of enabling product managers and CEOs of product companies to launch, grow and thrive in AppExchange.
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