Short answer
An integration user is a dedicated Salesforce user account that an integration, middleware tool or AI connector uses to read and write data, instead of a real person's login. Salesforce offers free Integration User licenses with API-only access so integrations can run with least-privilege permissions.
Integration User explained
Running integrations under a named employee's account is risky: the integration breaks when that person leaves, and their broad permissions become the integration's permissions. A dedicated integration user with an API-only license and a narrow permission set makes access auditable and easy to revoke.
Records created by integrations show the integration user as creator or owner, which is why users sometimes see an unfamiliar name on records.
How Vantage Point helps: we set up role-scoped integration users for MuleSoft, HubSpot, backups and AI connectors, with permissions documented for audit.
Frequently asked questions
Are Integration User licenses free?
Salesforce provides a number of Integration User licenses with Enterprise and higher editions, and more can be purchased.
Can an integration user log in to the Salesforce UI?
No. Integration User licenses are API-only, which reduces the risk if the credentials are exposed.