Tuesday, 18 December 2007

Microsoft Releases Next Generation CRM Solution for On-Premise and On-Demand Deployments

Software giant Microsoft announced yesterday that the latest version of its Microsoft Dynamics CRM tool has been completed and released to manufacturing.

Formerly code-named “Titan” the new version is new version is offered under two product names: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for on-premise and partner-hosted deployments and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live for Microsoft-hosted deployment.

Designed with a single unified-code base for both on-premise and on-demand deployments, Microsoft Dynamics CRM enables customers to choose the right deployment model for their specific business and IT needs, with the flexibility to change deployment models over time if their needs or preferences change.

“Microsoft Dynamics CRM is making the power of choice a reality for businesses around the world,” said Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM at Microsoft.

“This new release further enables us to deliver on Microsoft’s software plus services strategy and provide our CRM solutions with a great user experience and exceptional business value.”

Some of the significant new benefits and capabilities of this new release include these:

An advanced multitenant architecture that supports multiple customers per server

•Extended global capabilities including user choice of more than 25 languages and pervasive support for multiple currencies

•New business intelligence capabilities including cross-entity views and an end-user ad hoc reporting wizard

•Advanced business process automation based on Microsoft Windows Workflow Foundation

•New collaboration capabilities with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 including real-time presence indicators within the CRM application

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 will be available worldwide in more than 25 languages. The English language pack will be available within the next seven days to new and existing partners and customers. Nine additional language packs will be available in January and the remaining language packs will be delivered at a rate of four or more each month.

Existing customers with an active Software Assurance plan for Microsoft Dynamics CRM are entitled to receive the new release at no additional charge.

The new Microsoft Dynamics Live CRM service is offered only in the United States and Canada, and is currently available to a limited number of customers via the Early Access program.