Salesforce.com is attempting to prolong its hyper-growth through 2007 with a new release of its platform, a preview of its programming language and the announcement of a huge new deal.

The platform release is Winter 07, which is now with all Salesforce customers and offers a revamped user interface, dashboards with third-party analytics incorporated, more computer-telephony integration, new partner management options and Google AdWords support.

“It’s our 21st release and it shows that with this model you can innovate so much faster than with orthodox enterprise software,” said Steve Garnett, Salesforce European chairman.

At the same time, the software-as-a-service pioneer launched a preview programme for Apex Code, its programming language, to let third-parties create Salesforce-compatible multi-tenancy applications.

A plan to offer office space and other help to small companies developing Salesforce-compatible apps will reach the UK in the summer, said Garnett.

Salesforce also celebrated another large contract, with a 15,000-seat deal with Dell adding support to its claims of successfully penetrating blue-chip accounts.