Microsoft Dynamics CRM Community Team Blog

Microsoft Enables CRM Success

Ina D — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:34:00 GMT

OnWindows.com | Manufacturing

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe (MCFE), a leading forklift manufacturer based in the Netherlands, has received the Gartner CRM Excellence Award in the category of efficiency for its customer relationship management (CRM) project.

Through this awards programme, Gartner and 1to1 Media recognise companies that are doing an exceptional job at bringing together vision, strategy, customer experience, organisational collaboration, process, IT and metrics to create value for the customer and the enterprise.

The company was able to streamline order entry and processing, IT support requests, and dealer communications. This resulted in the company reducing the time for it to customise business applications from 35 to 10 days, saving development costs by 60 per cent and improving order processing from five minutes to 90 seconds.

"Businesses need to deliver essential line-of-business applications more quickly and at a lower cost," said Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. "We are honoured that MCFE is recognised by Gartner and 1to1 Media for its project. This implementation is just one example of how our customers are unlocking new value from their existing Microsoft investments and delivering business solutions that are easy to design, easy to manage, and, for their users, easy to use."

In addition to MCFE, a broad range of companies around the world are using XRM, the flexible application development framework of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, to accelerate the development and deployment of high-impact business applications – whether on the premises or in the cloud via Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

About OnWindows.com

OnWindows.com focuses on enterprise business-level use of the Microsoft Windows operating system, Windows Server System and associated software from partner companies that deliver solutions and applications on the Windows platform.

Meet the Newest Microsoft Dynamics CRM Technical Blogger, Marcello Tonarelli!

Ina D — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:52:00 GMT

We have recently added Marcello Tonarelli's Microsoft Dynamics CRM technical blog to the Community blog rollup.

Marcello is a Microsoft Certified Business Management Solution Specialist and Microsoft Gold Partner, who blogs about a number of Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Office Project Server, Microsoft SharePoint Server and others.

With a background that includes business process analysis, network engineering, infrastructure, security and application development, Marcello has over twenty year’s experience engineering business solutions and regularly presents to engineers, analysts, and business decision makers.

Check out or bookmark his blog. Welcome to the Community, Marcello!

Video Highlights Microsoft Dynamics CRM Track at Convergence Atlanta 2010

Ina D — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:27:00 GMT

In this Microsoft Dynamics Community video, Bryan Nielson, Director of Product Management for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, provides an overview of what his team has to offer to Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2010 attendees.

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM track at Convergence has much to offer to customers, prospects, and partners. There will be a mix of more than 50 different concurrent sessions and interactive discussions around this product line. The breakout sessions will cover a wide variety of topics, including CRM, sales force automation, market automation, customer services support, xRM, the cloud, enterprise implementation, social media opportunities and other industry trends. The interactive discussions will be primarily led by the Microsoft Dynamics CRM customer user groups, which will provide an outstanding close networking opportunity.

The April 2010 Service Release for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online will also be unveiled at the event, providing greater visibility into the product roadmap for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Convergence Atlanta is also a great opportunity to network with various Microsoft Dynamics CRM teams, including the Support, Product Management, and R&D.

Watch the video to find out more about what's in store at the event.

If you haven't registered for Convergence, it is not too late to do so at http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/convergence/atlanta10. Convergence Atlanta 2010 attendees receive up to 20% off new Microsoft Dynamics purchases with a special offer.

See you in Atlanta!

New Microsoft Dynamics CRM Technical Blog Now Syndicated on the Community

Ina D — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:52:00 GMT

"Microsoft Dynamics CRM ISV Labs" is a new technical blog by a Microsoft Dynamics CRM consultant, which provides helpful tips on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, ASP, .NET and C# development topics.

Find out what this blog offers here.

Meet "Microsoft Dynamics CRM Usability" -- A New Technical Blog on the Community

Ina D — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:48:00 GMT

"Microsoft Dynamics CRM Usability" is a new technical blog by a Microsoft Dynamics partner, focusing on Microsoft Dynamics CRM usability and training topics and related issues.

Help us welcome this new blogger to the Community be checking out their most recent posts here.

Meet the Community's Latest Microsoft Dynamics CRM Blogger!

Ina D — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:19:00 GMT

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Usability is a new technical blog, now syndicated on the Community, which focuses on discussing Microsoft Dynamics CRM usability, training and related issues.

Check out the latest blog posts from this blogger here.

Welcome Fulvio Giaccari our newest Microsoft Dynamics CRM blogger

NickHoban — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:12:00 GMT

Fulvio is a certified Microsoft Dynamics CRM developer and will be using his blog to discuss implementing processes and news around Microsoft Dynamics CRM. We hope you enjoy Fulvio's new blog on the Microsoft Dynamics community site. Check it out!https://community.dynamics.com/blogs/crmfulviogiaccari/default.aspx

Please Help Welcome Our Newest Microsoft Dynamics CRM Technical Blogger!

Ina D — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:42:00 GMT

Andriy Butenko is a Microsoft MVP and a Microsoft Dynamics CRM freelance developer, who blogs about his ideas and solutions made for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. In his posts he provides JavaScript and C# sample code, plugins, reports and other developer tools.

Check out his blog, titled "Hard-work-days of a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Freelance Developer" here.

PowerObjects joins the CRM community blogging team

NickHoban — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:12:00 GMT

The holiday season seems to upon the Microsoft Dynamics Community Team and our gifts are coming in the form of great blogs. We would like to announce another CRM blog that is now syndicated on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM community. The latest blog is PowerObjects-Bringing FOCUS to Dynamics CRM. PowerObjects is a recognized leader in delivering Microsoft Dynamics CRM/xRM solutions to customers in a variety of industries. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, with numerous CRM/xRM projects under our belt, they combine the right focus, with the right people and the right processes to bring value to every organization they work with. As CRM gurus, they like to share their knowledge and expertise with anyone who will listen, so the goal of this blog is to educate and inform and as always they welcome your feedback and input!

The community team hopes you enjoy the latest addition to the community site.

Community added another XRM blog to the CRM blogs

NickHoban — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:27:00 GMT

For those of you interested in XRM we have just syndicated another great resource for you. We would like to introduce XRM Notebook - Thuta's CRM Blog . Thuta has been working with Dynamics CRM since early 2008, and has architected, developed and deployed numerous xRM implementations for non-profit healthcare providers in Intermediate and Long Term Care Sector. He has over 10+ years of progressive experience in software development, and managing large projects and technical teams.

The community team hopes you help welcome Thuta to the community.

Century Payments chooses Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online” featuring Dave Willis!

NickHoban — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:33:00 GMT

We are proud to announce Microsoft Dynamics Customer Reference Program team’s THIRD newest podcast to energize the social media scene! Hear why Century Payments chose to implement CRM Online! This is a fantastic story of how our solution is being used and the great metrics they have seen so far! Listen to the Pod Cast.

Podcast link: http://bit.ly/67qh0b
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MSDynamicsWins/status/6736822889
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Microsoft-Dynamics-Wins/202002251203?ref=ts (Must be logged in to view.)
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/newsArticle?viewDiscussion=&articleID=95551293&gid=2366506&report%2Esuccess=y5B2ruDDouAuNSI-i5aCiVob0-HqDWXfABdXeXBwtcFzsmI9da2KCfmvtKCZ_vtrAiA5Cf1La3wfXgbO (Must be logged in to view.)

For those of you who have not had the opportunity to listen in on the Microvision win against Epicor or why CRM is Suntron’s solution of choice check it out! All feature our own Dave Willis in supporting our new customers in their decision to purchase our Microsoft Dynamics solutions. NOTE** You must have an existing account and be logged in to hear podcasts.

"Planning for CRM Success" Upcoming Webcast Series

Ina D — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:08:00 GMT

Customer Relationship Management is the business philosophy that lets you know your customers better, share information more thoroughly, and interact more completely. In business this can be achieved through the integration of people, business processes, and the use of CRM technology.

Join Frank Falcone, Senior CRM Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft Canada and Rick McCutcheon, President, Full Contact Selling for an interactive series of webcasts that will provide you with a step by step game plan for successfully implementing CRM strategies, technologies and processes into your business. These are non-technical webcasts designed for business professionals on how to plan and implement CRM strategies. It is based on the integration of the best practices in business processes, people skills development and CRM technology. Registration is free.

Session One (view on demand now) - Introduction to Customer Relationship Management (Dec 17th @ 1-2pm)

Session One (view on demand now) - Introduction to Customer Relationship Management (Jan 14th @1-2pm)

Session Two - Planning & Designing Your CRM Project (Jan 28th @ 1-2pm)

Session Three - Planning Your CRM Technology (Feb 11th @1-2pm)

Session Four - Building a Successful User Adoption Program (Feb 25th @1-2pm)

Help Welcome our latest CRM Technical Blog

NickHoban — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:32:00 GMT

Another great resource has been added to the CRM Technical Blog list. We would like to introduce Customer Effective who is a leading innovator in relationship management solutions (XRM) based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Customer Effective was awarded the 2009 Microsoft Dynamics Financial Services Partner of the Year, being named to the 2008 and 2009 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club, recipient of the 2008 and 2009 Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle distinction.

We hope you enjoy the latest addition to the Microsoft Dynamics Community.

Check out the newest podcast featuring Suntron Corp's decision to migrate to Microsoft Dynamics CRM

NickHoban — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:02:00 GMT

To learn why Suntron Corp 's decided to switch to Microsoft Dynamics CRM listen to Suntron Corp's podcast.

Introducing CRM Software Blog

NickHoban — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:56:00 GMT

Great news we have another content packed CRM blog syndicated on the CRM community today. I would like to introduce to you the CRM Software Blog. If you have had a chance to view the ERP Software Blog you already know the value you can expect out of this newly created CRM blog.

The content that is provided in this blog is put together by a number of Microsoft Dynamics partners. So you can expect to receive a wide variety of different tips and suggestions.

I hope you enjoy the latest addition to the Microsoft Dynamics CRM community!

Stephen Elop debates SalesForce.com’s founder on the future of cloud computing in The Economist magazine’s live online debate.

NickHoban — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:43:00 GMT

Watch Stephen Elop, President of Microsoft Business Division, engage in an online debate with Mark Benioff from Salesforce.com on Economist.com starting November 10 and continuing until November 18th. The topic is cloud computing and Stephen Elop will discuss Microsoft’s cloud strategy, outlining why a hybrid approach to the cloud, with the choices afforded by software plus services, is the best approach for businesses.

You can watch The Economist online debate as it’s in progress, or review the final results any time after November 18th.

The debate will be conducted via written statements (not live video) and is presented in Oxford style. The weeklong debate will include and opening (Nov. 10), rebuttal (Nov. 13) and closing statements (Nov. 18). It will be moderated by Economist reporter Ludwig Siegel. Throughout the debate, readers will participate by casting their votes, changing their votes and providing comments for the debaters and moderator. At the end, there will be a declared winner and a declared loser. The discussion promises to be both lively and informative and we hope you can participate.

Start Date: Morning of 11/12/09
End Date: 11/30/09

Microsoft Announces New Service Update and Competitive Offer for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

NickHoban — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:45:00 GMT

New service launches with special offer to help customers switch from Salesforce.com and Oracle CRM On Demand.

REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 3, 2009 — Building on the innovation described in the Dynamic Business vision recently discussed at Convergence 2009 Europe, Microsoft Corp. today introduced the November 2009 service update for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, the third service update delivered in 18 months. The service update offers new features at no additional cost to customers, including free mobile access, enhanced data import, customizable views and simplified pricing. Microsoft also announced that customers that switch from Salesforce.com and Oracle CRM On Demand products can get Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online free for six months, in addition to their free 30-day trial.

“The new service update to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online demonstrates our commitment to simplify the customer experience, deliver rapid innovation and offer more value at a lower price,” said Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. “Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online enables businesses to begin driving productivity and results in a matter of minutes.”

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service update brings the following:

• Fast online access. Organizations can get started with a trial or paid subscription to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online in less than five minutes. Customers are able to access the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service through a Microsoft Outlook interface, via a Web browser or from a wide range of mobile devices — all at no additional charge.

• Simple contact management. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides a single, unified view of customer information that helps sales people manage accounts and drive revenue. A new Get Started Pane delivers guidance, training and access to communities, and Microsoft Knowledge Base articles, allowing users of all skill levels to maximize their productivity. In addition, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online makes it easy to import data from other CRM applications.

• Better sales performance. Sales managers benefit from strong sales forecasting and their sales teams benefit from workflow capabilities that ensure that customer engagements happen quickly and consistently. A new home page dashboard provides real-time views into key metrics that help prioritize daily activities.

• Better economics. Microsoft has simplified and reduced its Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online pricing for all customers. All Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online offerings are now available at $44 per user per month, and include offline support, 200 custom entities, 200 workflows and 5 GB of storage.

In addition to its free 30-day trial, Microsoft is offering six months of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online at no additional cost to existing customers of Salesforce.com and Oracle CRM On Demand. This reinforces Microsoft’s focus on delivering more value at a lower cost than competing CRM vendors, whether through on-premises or on-demand CRM deployments. Eligibility requirements and other details of this offer can be found at http://offers.crmchoice.com/moreforless.

“Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is a perfect fit for our business,” said Laura Tantaros, sales operations specialist for Trion Group Inc. “We were able to get started and train our employees very quickly, largely due to the Microsoft Outlook user interface, and adapt the service to our specific business needs easily.”

“We’ve built our business on Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, and we’ve helped more than 75 companies adopt the service in the past year,” said Steve Bowles, chief executive officer of Pelagic Solutions Inc. “In our experience Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online simply delivered a lot more capabilities and value than other software as a service (SaaS)-based CRM systems, at a lower price.”

The new November 2009 service update will be available to all Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online customers by Nov. 15, 2009. Businesses can get started today by signing up for a no-cost 30-day trial by subscribing at http://crm.dynamics.com.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of easy-to-use, integrated and adaptable ERP and CRM applications that enable business decision-makers to quickly respond to market shifts, take advantage of new trends, increase their competitive edge and drive business success. Microsoft Dynamics solutions are delivered through a world-class network of partners who provide specialized services and additional innovation to help customers excel in their industry.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

New CRM Health Industry Blog

NickHoban — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:39:00 GMT

If you are looking to get insight into how the Microsoft Dynamics CRM is being used in the Health Industry the xRM for Life blog is place to keep your eye on. I hope you enjoy the new Microsoft Dynamics CRM blog!

https://community.dynamics.com/blogs/xrmforlife/default.aspx

Have you checked out our newest CRM blog yet?

NickHoban — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:17:00 GMT

The community team would like to introduce the newest CRM blog FullContactSelling. This blog talk about CRM user adoption success! Rick is currently looking for suggestions around the top 100 Reasons Why Sales People Should Love CRM. I hope you have a chance to stop and check out the newest community blog and help Rick create the top 100 list. He is currently at #2 only 98 left.

Leading Organizations Worldwide Choose Microsoft Dynamics CRM

NickHoban — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:54:00 GMT

Flexible solution helps businesses strengthen their customer relationships, drive efficiencies and increase profitability.

REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 8, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today announced several global enterprises that have selected Microsoft Dynamics CRM as their relationship management solution of choice. Businesses are choosing Microsoft Dynamics CRM for its quick deployment, ability to easily adapt to meet unique business needs, and unparalleled value. Customers include Barclays Bank PLC, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., the City of London, Hard Rock International Inc., Maccabi Healthcare Services, Polaris Industries Inc. and Vodafone Iceland.

“In these challenging economic times, businesses need customer management solutions that are fast, flexible and affordable, and that help them build stronger and deeper relationships with their customers,” said Brad Wilson, general manager, Microsoft Dynamics CRM. “At Microsoft, we’re proud to be able to deliver these types of solutions to tens of thousands of businesses around the world.”

Customers that are benefiting from the speed, flexibility and value that Microsoft Dynamics CRM provides include the following:

Barclays Bank PLC, a consumer banking division in the United Arab Emirates, has seen a 15 percent improvement in customer satisfaction and has attributed Microsoft Dynamics CRM for a 22 percent drop in service costs per customer incident.

Booz Allen Hamilton, a strategy and technology consulting firm that licensed the 1 millionth Microsoft Dynamics CRM seat, is standardizing Microsoft Dynamics CRM as a platform to deliver relational line-of-business applications across the organization.

The City of London in the U.K. uses the power and flexibility of Microsoft Dynamics CRM as an xRM development platform to enhance the services such as event planning and voter management it provides to citizens, businesses and visitors.

Hard Rock International, a world-renowned hotel and restaurant group, uses Microsoft Dynamics CRM to reduce its customer inquiry response times from four days to just a few hours. This efficiency has enabled it to add new venues (casinos and hotels) around the world without having to add additional customer care staff.

Maccabi Healthcare Services, a healthcare organization located in Israel, has implemented Microsoft Dynamics CRM with Microsoft Office SharePoint as the center service application to provide quick response and accurate information to its members.

Polaris Industries, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles, deployed a dealer self-service portal and realized efficiency gains up to 35 percent compared with previous processes.

Vodafone Iceland, a telecommunications company, has exceeded its own first-time call resolution rates expectations of 95 percent while also increasing sales by 20 percent since implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM for its sales and service teams.

“As organizations navigate the changing economy, two things are clear,” said Rebecca Wettemann, vice president, Nucleus Research. “First, managing customer relationships is more important now than ever before, and second, technology must be able to adapt to unique business processes and changing strategies. Organizations that invest in flexible, proven CRM solutions will position themselves for success both today and tomorrow.”

Examples of how customers are benefiting from using Microsoft Dynamics CRM demonstrate Microsoft’s promise of the “Dynamic Business” — a vision for helping companies realize their full potential through the strategic use of flexible business applications that remain relevant as their business needs evolve. More information about how customers such as Hard Rock International are saving time and money while driving successful relationships with Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be found at http://crm.dynamics.com.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of adaptable, easy-to-use ERP and CRM applications that enable business decision-makers to run their business efficiently and drive business success. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

Introducing another great blog added to the CRM community

NickHoban — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:23:00 GMT

Shafraz Nasser’s CRM blog will be focusing on Microsoft CRM development and Microsoft CRM functionality. In this blog you will find source code, tips, tricks and hacks based on Shafraz’s personal experiences. Shafraz blog is located here: https://community.dynamics.com/blogs/crmshafraz/default.aspx

Breaking news for those of you attending the Dynamic Communities User Group CRM Summit!

NickHoban — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:35:00 GMT

We just received our room locations and times for our Partner Showcases and Interactive Roundtables. Below you will find a table containing the dates, times, and room locations.

If you are looking to learn more about the Microsoft Dynamics Community, the CRMUG Summit is your next opportunity. Along with Microsoft Dynamics Community we will be highlighting the benefits of CustomerSource and Convergence. After attending the showcases and roundtables you will leave with tools and techniques to optimize your Dynamics investment. To learn more about the Dynamic Communities User Group Summit click here.

To help locate the Partner Showcase and Interactive Roundtable rooms view Pheasant Run Resort’s interactive site map. If you are unable to attend our showcases or roundtables please stop by booth 227 located in the Expo Hall.

Introducing the newest forum to the Microsoft Dynamics Community: Microsoft Dynamics Related Job Openings

NickHoban — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:49:00 GMT

The forum provides an opportunity to communicate current job openings within your company. Please feel free to start a new forum containing the appropriate job information, requirements and contact information.
Forum is located @ https://community.dynamics.com/forums/241.aspx

CONVERGENCE CRM ATTENDEE SALES OFFER

NickHoban — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:07:00 GMT

Microsoft Dynamics prospects and customers who attend Convergence 2009 are eligible to receive up to 20 users of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for 6 months at $9.99/user/month.

Terms & Conditions:

• Offer: 6 month subscription to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Professional version @ $9.99/user/month.

• Subscription must be purchased and activated by May 1st 2009.

• Minimum 6 month commitment.

• Applies up to 20 users, with a 5 user minimum

• Offer available only in the U.S. & Canada.

• Offer available to Convergence 2009 attendees who are new CRM Customers Only.

• Offer only applicable to Microsoft CRM Online Professional version.

• This promotion cannot be combined with any other promotions or discount offers.

• 30 Day Free Trial not applicable.

• Unless the subscription is cancelled thirty days prior to the end of the 6-month period, the subscription will be renewed automatically for a 12 month commitment at the then-current pricing and term.

• If the service is cancelled before the end of the service term, a cancellation fee of $175 per user for the total number of users on the subscription will be charged, except if cancellation occurs within 30 days of the end of the subscription term.

• Customers interested in migrating to Microsoft Dynamics CRM On-Premise have a 3 month minimum Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online requirement. Cancellation fees are waived after the 3 month period.

To get more information on how to get registered for Convergence New Orleans 2009 Click here.