Why Are Data Cloud Licenses Not Visible in Sandbox?

Question

Salesforce recently announced that Data Cloud is now available in Sandbox environments. However, after setting up a Sandbox, we are unable to see the Data Cloud licenses or permission sets. Why is this happening, and what is the solution or workaround to enable Data Cloud in a Sandbox?

Answer

The reason you do not see Data Cloud licenses and permission sets in your Sandbox is that Data Cloud is not automatically provisioned for Sandbox environments. Unlike production, where licenses and features are enabled based on your contract, enabling Data Cloud in a Sandbox requires additional steps and conditions.

Key Requirements for Data Cloud in Sandbox

1. Your organization must be using the consumption-based version of Data Cloud.
   • As of November 2024, CDP (Customer Data Platform) does not support Sandbox environments, so if you are using CDP instead of the broader Data Cloud offering, you will not be able to access it in a Sandbox.
2. You must be using a Core Sandbox type.
   • Data Cloud is only supported in Full, Partial, Developer Pro, and Developer Sandboxes. If you are using a different type of Sandbox (e.g., Scratch Org), Data Cloud will not be available.
3. Your Data Cloud Sandbox must be provisioned.
   • Even if you meet the above requirements, Data Cloud is not enabled in Sandbox by default. You must request provisioning from Salesforce.
   • This provisioning includes enabling Data Services, Storage, Real-Time Processing (if required), and Segments/Activations (if needed).
4. Data Cloud Sandbox requires consumption credits.
   • Unlike production, where Data Cloud usage is covered by your contract, a Sandbox requires either:
     • The purchase of new consumption credits for the Sandbox, or
     • The transfer of existing production credits to be used in the Sandbox.
   • Without these credits, Data Cloud will not function even if provisioned.

How to Enable Data Cloud in Sandbox

If Data Cloud is not visible in your Sandbox, follow these steps to enable it:

1. Confirm that you are using the correct version of Data Cloud.
   • Go to Setup > Company Information and verify that you have Data Cloud consumption-based licensing enabled in production.
2. Verify that your Sandbox is a Core Sandbox.
   • Navigate to Setup > Sandboxes and check the type of Sandbox you are using. If it is not Full, Partial, Dev Pro, or Dev, you will not be able to enable Data Cloud.
3. Contact your Salesforce Account Executive.
   • Since Data Cloud Sandboxes are provisioned manually, you need to reach out to Salesforce and request that Data Cloud be enabled for your Sandbox.
   • Discuss with your AE whether you need new consumption credits or if you can transfer production credits to the Sandbox.
4. Verify if the licenses and permission sets are available after provisioning.
   • Once Data Cloud has been enabled in your Sandbox, go to Setup > Permission Set Licenses and look for Data Cloud-related entries.
   • If licenses are still missing, check Setup > Users and ensure that the necessary users have been assigned Data Cloud permissions.

Workaround for Testing Without a Sandbox

If you do not want to purchase or transfer credits for a Sandbox but still need to test Data Cloud features, you can:

• Use a Production Data Cloud instance with restricted test datasets.
• Set up a separate production-like environment with limited user access for testing purposes.

Data Cloud in Sandbox requires manual provisioning and additional consumption credits. If you do not see the necessary licenses and permission sets, it is most likely because your Sandbox has not been provisioned for Data Cloud or you have not allocated the required credits. The best course of action is to contact your Salesforce Account Executive to enable Data Cloud and manage credit allocation.

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