What is the primary function of external system mashups in Salesforce?

The primary function of external system mashups in Salesforce is to allow access to external records without storing data. This capability is essential because it enables organizations to integrate information from various external sources into their Salesforce environment seamlessly. By using mashups, users can view and interact with records that reside outside of Salesforce while keeping the data in its original location. This approach helps maintain data integrity and reduces the complexities associated with data duplication and local storage.

External system mashups enhance the user experience by providing a unified view of relevant data from multiple systems. For example, if customer data is stored in different databases or applications, these mashups can facilitate real-time access to that data, making it easier for users to perform their tasks without having to switch between various platforms or deal with inconsistencies that might arise from multiple data sources. This functionality reflects the broader goal of Salesforce to support integrated, customer-centric processes that leverage data from diverse environments effectively.