AppExchange History

• According to Angela D'Arcy from The Outcast Agency, which represents Salesforce, the company opened its API (Application Programming Interface) to web and software developers in 2003. They announced the AppExchange on September 15, 2005, and officially made it available to users on January 17, 2006.
  
  

Apps on the AppExchange

• As of October 15, 2010, the AppExchange has 966 applications. Examples of apps include a Sales Activity Dashboard, a custom report on sales activity and an Opportunity Planning Wall, an enhanced overview of sales opportunities. Some of the applications are free, but others have a monthly fee set by the developer.
  
  

AppExchange Access

• Anyone can browse the AppExchange, but not all Salesforce users have the ability to upload applications from it. Depending on your service level, your company may have a limited number of apps they can utilize. Developers have to have a Developerforce account to upload applications, but are not required to have access to the API to create them.