The Path Forward for Salesforce CPQ Customers
If your organization currently uses Salesforce CPQ, it is important to note that Salesforce has moved this product into its end-of-sale phase. As a result, Salesforce CPQ customers are now considering alternative technologies to meet their ongoing Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) requirements.
This article will answer some questions Salesforce CPQ customers may have as they evaluate their technology options going forward.
Salesforce CPQ Is Being Phased Out
As of March 2025, Salesforce CPQ has entered an end-of-sales phase, so it will no longer be sold to new customers, there will not be new features or innovations for the product, and it will become unsupported.
Existing customers can still use the product, but no future innovation is planned.
Is Salesforce Revenue Cloud the Same as CPQ?
No, Salesforce Revenue Cloud is a broader platform with some CPQ functionality, billing, and revenue recognition. For some companies, Salesforce Revenue Cloud will be a good fit, but it is not a full replacement of the CPQ solution. This is a good time to assess your broader technology needs and consider whether it’s time to move to a Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution with CPQ.
What Is the Difference Between Salesforce CPQ and a CRM?
The primary difference is that Salesforce CPQ is a specialized tool, whereas a CRM is a comprehensive system that manages broader company interactions and relationships with current and prospective customers.
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system enables organizations to efficiently track, manage, and support interactions with customers and other stakeholders. The objective of using a CRM is to improve relationships, optimize processes, and boost efficiency for sales and service.
Salesforce CPQ is a specialized tool that automates the process of configuring, pricing, and quoting products and services. Many companies integrate CPQ into their CRM system to improve the sales process.
Is There a Difference Between Salesforce CPQ and an ERP?
Yes, there is a difference between Salesforce CPQ and an ERP. An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a system primarily for managing financials and resources. This enables companies to monitor and control resources, such as finances, assets, inventory, and more, in one centralized system. Whereas the Salesforce CPQ is a tool that streamlines the quote-to-cash process for products and services.
Companies integrate CPQ tools with their ERP system to enable quicker and more accurate quotes.
If I’m on Salesforce Now, Should I Switch to Dynamics 365?
The decision to stay with Salesforce or move to Microsoft Dynamics 365 will be different for each organization. The best solution will depend on your specific needs, strategy, and other business technology.
Organizations currently using Salesforce CPQ should evaluate their entire technology stack before making a decision. Salesforce’s Revenue Cloud is considered a logical progression for customers; however, it is broader, and it is not a complete replacement for the CPQ tool. Salesforce Revenue Cloud’s implementation is expensive and complex.
Dynamics 365 is a Microsoft set of business applications that includes more than a dozen apps addressing your needs for ERP, CRM, and more. They are designed to provide maximum flexibility and extensibility, allowing them to adapt to fit almost any business. Dynamics 365 applications feature built-in AI capabilities and have connections with familiar tools within the Microsoft ecosystem, including Outlook, Excel, and Word, which help break down data silos and simplify the user experience.
Read our Salesforce versus Dynamics 365 CRM blog article for a more detailed comparison between the two solutions.
Does Microsoft Have a CPQ Equivalent?
Yes, there are CPQ solutions that can be integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions. Through our partnership with Experlogix, we help customers integrate their Dynamics 365 ERP or CRM solution seamlessly with the Experlogix CPQ product.
Businesses with complex product configuration needs, specialized pricing rules, or omnichannel requirements may benefit from a CPQ solution such as Experlogix CPQ. Their CPQ product simplifies the quote-to-order process with a flexible and scalable solution, offering an intuitive user experience that matches the look and feel of Dynamics 365.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM offers flexible configuration options, and Experlogix CPQ can be fully embedded in Dynamics 365. For businesses seeking adaptability and long-term solutions, this approach could present a more sustainable option.
If your company uses an ERP system like Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, you can integrate CPQ solutions directly with your Dynamics 365 platform.
As you evaluate CPQ solutions, Encore can help you evaluate your business needs, goals, and strategy to create a technology plan going forward.
Next Steps
Before deciding on a CPQ replacement, it’s essential to perform a thorough review of your entire technology stack to ensure every system works together and supports your long-term business goals.
Connect with Encore experts today to evaluate your options or for help creating a long-term technology plan for your business.