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Dynamics 365 Community / Forums / Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Archived) / Developer Access for C...
Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Archived)

Developer Access for CRM Online

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Posted on by ClearView 170

I currently use CRM Online and am looking at hiring a developer to do some work for us. However not sure the best way to grant him access to our system without him having complete access to do anything he wants. Please let me know the best way or if I can do a backup of our current system in case I need to recover settings.

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  • SyedHussain Profile Picture
    SyedHussain 1,820 on at
    RE: Developer Access for CRM Online

    It ultimately depends on what you want the developer to do. For instance, if you want to extend your existing CRM system by adding new features that don't require modifying the existing features you have, then you can export the solution as a managed solution, setup a trial CRM, import that solution and then get the developer to create an extension solution. He'll be able to interact with the system and what you've done so far without messing-up your solution.

    If however, you need the developer to directly interact with your customisation (make changes to what you've done), then you'll have to export the solution as an unmanaged solution so that he can make changes to your solution add/extend - whatever he needs to do.

    IF you're concerned about the developer having access to confidential information (the data already in your system), then you can replicate the environment by exporting the solution as mentioned above.

    HOWEVER, if you're concerned that the developer may steal your solution for himself - then sadly you are out of luck. Even if you export as a managed/unmanaged solution, the developer can easily see the underlying entities, code etc by simply unpacking the zipped solution. CRM doesn't provide a way for developers to protect their solution, as of yet there is no DRM. With regards to this I have heard horror stories of developers/customers stealing solutions and replicating the system for their own sale or gain. There is no way around this unless you system consists of plugins (which again I've seen reverse engineered).

    Good luck.

  • ClearView Profile Picture
    ClearView 170 on at
    RE: Developer Access for CRM Online

    To provide more info, I have used Freelancer to find a CRM developer and have picked some who has references and has completed multiple projects. However I would still like to see his work before it goes into my production environment. Is there a simple way I can replicate my environment to a second environment for the development work?

    I've actually spent awhile trying to find someone, anyone local wanted to charge a fortune which I just couldn't afford that is why I tried Freelancer as the rates were something I could afford.

    If I sign up for a trial or test environment is it simple to replicate them, I think this would be a great solution just don't know how to do it?

    Thanks for the great advice.

  • Neil Benson Profile Picture
    Neil Benson 7,369 User Group Leader on at
    RE: Developer Access for CRM Online

    If you've hired a developer you don't trust then you could set up a 30-day trial then export your default solution and import it into the trial. That way your developer will be able to extend your system without having access to any of your data.

    But please don't hire a developer you don't trust. Get some references, ask some CRM User Group members for recommendations, or use a reputable Microsoft partner. If you get desperate, hire a recruiter than knows the CRM market and make them find a qualified developer and gather references.

  • Audrey Blair Profile Picture
    Audrey Blair 335 on at
    RE: Developer Access for CRM Online

    Will the System Customizer security profile give them what they need? You can modify that profile to add some elements without making them the system administrator.

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