Salesforce, the globally leading CRM enterprise and platform, has launched a new generation of its flagship platform called Salesforce Lightning. The architecture of the new platform integrates a number of elements from offerings of previously acquired companies. They include CPQ features from SteelBrick’s platform, smart email capabilities from RelateIQ and Wave analytics. It will also allow sales professionals to place calls directly from within Salesforce.

Salesforce CEO and Chairman, Marc Benioff, explained in a press release, "Lightning is a game-changer for Salesforce and our customers. It is fueling an unparalleled level of innovation across our entire Customer Success Platform. No other company is delivering this kind of platform, ecosystem and user experience to enable companies to transform themselves and connect with their customers in entirely new ways."

Additionally, the company also announced new packaging for related products, Service Cloud Lightning and Sales Cloud Lightning.

Benioff said during a conference that one of the main triggers for constant product upgrades relate to ongoing innovations in cloud computing, AI, the Internet of Things, mobile computing, and related fields which drive the current business environment.

In other news, Salesforce has also promoted Keith Block to the position of Chief Operating Officer. He has been with the company for three years. In addition to presiding over the daily operations of the company, he will continue to look after international operations including sales, customer engagement, strategy, and consulting, among others.