Architecture Overview
A high-level look at how Colby is built — from the Chrome extension on your browser to the cloud backend that powers it.
Product Overview
Colby is an AI-powered Chrome extension that connects to Salesforce to automate data entry, report generation, meeting prep, and research for asset management distribution teams. It lives as a sidebar in your browser, giving you conversational access to your CRM data without leaving your workflow.
System Architecture
Colby follows a client-server architecture with encrypted communication between the Chrome extension and a cloud-hosted backend.
Key Components
Chrome Extension Manifest V3
A sidebar UI for conversational interaction with Salesforce data. Built on Chrome's Manifest V3 platform with minimal permissions — only accesses Salesforce domains and the Colby backend.
Cloud Backend Google Cloud Run
Hosted on Google Cloud Run, the backend processes requests and orchestrates AI agents in a fully managed, auto-scaling serverless environment.
AI Engine Multi-Agent
A multi-agent system powered by Google Gemini for intelligent task routing. Different agents handle data entry, report generation, research, and meeting prep.
Salesforce Integration
Native OAuth 2.0-based connection to read and write CRM data. Supports standard and custom Salesforce objects while respecting your organization's role hierarchy and field-level security.
Research Tools
Web search and financial data lookup (including FINRA BrokerCheck) for enriched workflows. Enables meeting prep, contact research, and investment due diligence.
How It Works
User Interaction
User interacts via the Chrome extension sidebar while on Salesforce. Requests can be typed, spoken, or triggered by pasting meeting notes.
Encrypted Transmission
Requests are sent over encrypted channels (TLS + end-to-end encryption) to the cloud backend. No data is stored on the client.
AI Agent Routing
AI agents analyze the request and determine the right tools and actions — whether it's querying Salesforce, generating a report, or performing web research.
Execution with Guardrails
Actions are executed against Salesforce with human review required for large bulk changes. Colby respects your existing Salesforce permissions at all times.
Real-Time Results
Results stream back to the Chrome extension in real-time, providing immediate feedback and actionable outputs.
Permissions Model
Colby cannot delete records. Large bulk edits require human review before committing. Your existing Salesforce permissions are always respected.
Colby is designed with a conservative permissions model to ensure data safety:
- No delete access — Colby can create and update records but cannot delete them
- Human-in-the-loop — Large bulk edits are staged for your review before being committed to Salesforce
- Salesforce permissions — Colby operates within your existing Salesforce role, profile, and field-level security settings
- Minimal browser permissions — The Chrome extension only accesses Salesforce domains and the Colby backend