How does Salesforce Connect utilize external objects?

Salesforce Connect leverages external objects primarily to access external data in real time. This functionality is particularly useful for organizations that require up-to-the-minute access to data that resides outside their Salesforce environment, such as databases or other cloud applications.

By using external objects, Salesforce Connect enables seamless integration, allowing users to interact with the external data as if it were natively within Salesforce. This means that users can perform various operations, such as viewing, updating, or linking external data without needing to duplicate or store it within Salesforce.

Real-time access is crucial for businesses that rely on consistent and accurate data for decision-making, reporting, and operational processes. Thus, the ability to integrate external data sources on-the-fly helps streamline workflows and enhances productivity by reducing data silos.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects like copying data into the org or generating reports based on external data. While these functions can complement a data integration strategy, they do not accurately define the primary utility of Salesforce Connect, which emphasizes real-time access rather than data duplication or scheduled integration.