For only $2,500, clients receive power-user training for Dynamics CRM Sales and Marketing. This  “power” user will receive a day of user setup and security configuration, two days of classroom training for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Sales & Marketing Application course and one day of classroom training for Customer Service Application course. There are also group discounts if you have more than one “power” user you would like to get trained.

If you have data to migrate to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, for and estimated $1,200 to $1,700 we will migrate 10,000 leads, accounts, and contact records utilizing the CRM migration tool.

ReadySetGO for Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps companies get up and running in 6 weeks or less with standard Microsoft Dynamics CRM functionality for sales, marketing, and customer management. For more information about low cost and rapid deployment of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, download this fact sheet. And as always, let us know if you have any questions along the way by contacting us at andreed@tmgroupinc.com or 888.482.2864.

By The TM Group, Michigan  Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM Partner for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics SL and SharePoint

Get Ahead of the Curve in 2012: ReadySetGO for Do It Yourself Deployment of Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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Choose a Proven Vendor:

When it comes to Software as a Service(SaaS) or cloud solutions, it is important to know and trust and the creator of the software solution.  Therefore, selecting a tool like Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, which is an industry leading crm system being offered in the cloud by an organization with proven cloud capabilities.  I think Satya Nadella, president of the Servers and Tools Business at Microsoft, put it well in a recent interview when he said, “I think it’s also about the business relationship our customers have with Microsoft … So as we move to the cloud we are working both as trusted advisors on the technology and trusted business partners to our customers.”

Choose a Trusted Partner:

If you are at all on the fence about whether or not a cloud CRM system is the right choice for your business, working with a trusted partner to assess your needs and provide you with an objective opinion can help you ensure you are making the best possible decision.  By choosing a solution like Microsoft Dynamics CRM, you can choose whether you want to deploy it in the cloud or on premise, and you have the flexibility to change deployment methods down the road if your needs change.  However, not all Microsoft Dynamics CRM partners can offer you this choice.  Select a partner, like Socius, who offers both deployment types and has experience helping clients transition between them to feel truly confident that your needs will be supported for the entire time you are using the solution.

Choose Predictable Services:

One of the great benefits of having your CRM deployed in the cloud is that you don’t have to worry about routine maintenance and software updates – those are all handled automatically and included in your subscription plan.  However, you still need to take into consideration your initial implementation and training.  In order for your system to be effective and adopted by your users, you need solid implementation services to get you up and running right.  Socius offers rapid implementation services with predictable, packaged pricing so that you know up front what you’ll need to spend to start using Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.  Get an instant quote for your cloud software and services for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online with Socius!

By Socius, a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner in Ohio, Kansas City, and California

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This offer has been running for nearly a year now, and provides a great chance for businesses large and small to get started with this ground-breaking CRM software – with low financial outlay and very little risk. But by their very nature, offers can’t go on forever.

From 31^st December 2011 the price of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online in the UK will change to the standard price of £29.50 per user per month. That’s still a great price, especially if you compare it with the cost of other cloud-based CRM software with anywhere near the same level of features and functionality as Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

There’s still time to get the introductory price. As long as you order before 31^st December 2011, Microsoft will honour its introductory offer rate for the next 12 months. What’s more, any further users you add after 31^st December will also be at the lower price. So if you’re considering implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online as your CRM solution, and you’re in a position to order, doing so now will save you money for at least a year.

If you want to try the product for yourself, the free trial of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is still available. It’s a web-based trial so you won’t need to download or install any software. To get started, you just enter a few very basic details (you will NOT be asked for credit card information) and you’ll be able to use the product for 30 days with no obligation.

If you work in a UK organisation and are thinking about deploying Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, contact Concentrix TSG for independent advice on what’s involved, getting started, a free demo or to set up a trial.  And if you’ve already made up your mind that Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is the right CRM solution for your business, get your order in before 31^st December and take advantage of the last few days of the introductory offer!

By Concentrix TSG – UK Dynamics CRM specialists

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online – UK Introductory Price Offer Ending Shortly is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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 As we were giving a demo of CRM to a not-for-profit,  she saw how CRM could positively impact her fundraising efforts, save her time and allow her to be more efficient.   At the same time, every dollar spent on things like software, office supplies etc. is one less dollar that is spent on the providing the necessary services of the organization.   Microsoft recognizes the financial restraints of non-profits and so for qualifying non-profits  they can purchase Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for $9.99 a user.  Regular price for CRM Online is $44 per user.

 The Non-Profit Solution for Microsoft Dynamics CRM includes out-of-the-box CRM functionality as well as customizations for:

• Donation and pledge management
• Basic membership management
• Basic volunteer tracking
• Campaign management
• Excel dashboard reports
• Payment solution for online donations

To see if CRM is indeed a solution for you, there is a Free 30 Day Trial of CRM Online.  Or even better DFC Consultants will sit down with you and learn more about your non-profit and prepare a demo of CRM so you can see exactly how it could work for you.  To schedule a demo contact us toll-free at 800-277-5561 or email sales@dfcconsultants.com.   We do have a CRM webcast scheduled for January 26 at 10 am Central.   This will be a general overview of the CRM product. 

DFC Consultants is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics CRM and GP . Since 1989, DFC has been providing accounting software solutions, training and support in our offices in Fargo, Bismarck, and Dickinson, North Dakota.  Our passion is to assist clients in meeting their goals with professional services and powerful business solutions. 

By Vanessa Veflin, North Dakota Customer Relationship Management Partner

CRM Online – An Affordable Choice for Non-Profits is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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 How Do They Stack Up?

In order to get a clear picture of how these products (and companies)  stack up against each other, we need to make an apples-to-apples comparison.  By using the same criteria  as a basis for comparison, we can see how the products measure up.  Some of the most important factors to consider when reviewing these (or any other CRM solution) are:

• Ease of use
• Total costs (upfront AND recurring)
• Deployment options (cloud-based, on-premise or  both?)
• Accessibility (Microsoft Outlook, browser,  smartphone, tablet, etc.)
• User interface familiarity

 We’ve Done the Work for You

BroadPoint Technologies recently presented a webinar where we reviewed both of these great products and presented the business case for Microsoft  Dynamics CRM 2011.  The webinar, entitled  “Microsoft Dynamics CRM vs. Salesforce:  Tale of the Tape” discussed the pros and cons of the products and gave  you evaluation criteria to keep in mind when evaluating these two  solutions.  The webinar recording  is now available on the  BroadPoint web site for viewing on-demand.

 
Contact BroadPoint, the largest Dynamics CRM reseller in the mid-Atlantic, at (301) 634-2404 or skane@broadpoint.net for more  information on Dynamics CRM 2011 and how we can save you $150 per user if you  make the switch now!

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 vs. Salesforce.com: Let the Punches Fly is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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 When a prospective customer wants consulting on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, I run into this scenario a lot.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 provides efficiency benefits like streamlining administrative tasks to allow the sales team or customer service team more time on the phone.  Is it a benefit?  Yes.  How much is it worth – another closed sale, another resolved customer incident?  You see how it’s difficult to quantify.

 Here are five things that I highlight when describing Microsoft Dynamics CRM benefits for an organization:

1. Increases marketing effectiveness: by centralizing Marketing campaigns with focused messaging to the right audience, open rates can increase significantly, ensuring your message is being heard (or read).
2. Increases lead flow:  improving marketing messages and campaign tracking can increase the leads that result.
3. More qualified leads and faster sales cycle: by getting the right message to the right contacts at the right time.  With lead response automation, you can respond immediately to their inquiries, providing key information in the time that they are looking, rather than days or weeks later.
4. Better close ratios on sales opportunities: more qualified leads ready to buy result in a larger and more qualified sales pipeline
5. Reduce the time to close: Pipeline analysis tools enable management to assist on the hottest deals and have the highest probability of closing

Not yet convinced?  Check out the existing financial incentives that Microsoft has in place for a limited time:

• Microsoft’s Cloud for Less promotion (good until March 2012): Receive $150 in cash back for every Microsoft CRM Online subscription (must purchase at least 50 licenses).  If you have 100 users, that equals a check from Microsoft for $15,000 to offset deployment services.
• Microsoft’s Big Easy 7 promotion (good until December 2011): Receive subsidy checks up to 24% of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM license that can be used to offset deployment services.

**Yes it’s possible to combine both of these offers if you go with Microsoft CRM Online.

Now more than ever, investing in Microsoft Dynamics CRM is money to the bottom line this year.   Whether it’s the inherent value that the Microsoft CRM features can bring, or it’s the additional instant rebates from Microsoft that are now available, you should consider them in your business case benefits .  Investing in CRM today will set up your company for continued growth.

 As a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Certified Gold Partner we have helped over 100 customers successfully implement and utilize CRM for their organizations.   You can read about their CRM customer success stories on our website.

By Ledgeview Partners – Wisconsin based Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner serving the Midwest and Heartland regions

It’s Time to Invest in Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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The traditional model for ERP deployments is one that involves long-term planning, workarounds, delayed replacement of antiquated software, and eventually a high-cost investment in a new system.  Because of the high cost and high stakes involved in implementing new systems, businesses often delay upgrading or switching to a new system for signifcantly longer than they should.

As businesses begin to re-evaluate their ERP systems and look for ways to save money on purchasing and time spent on implementation, subscription-based deployments will become much more attractive. The way they use software and the speed at which new software is adopted has significantly changed; the familiar paradigm for ERP deployment has shifted away from a long-term one-time investment to a subscription-based model — from a product-oriented approach to a service-centered one.

 This change is largely due to the emergence of cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS).  Some ERP vendors offer their systems exclusively over the cloud with no on-premise options.  Others, such as Microsoft, are guiding customers toward a future that merges cloud applications with on-premise systems. 

 Microsoft Dynamics GP “12”, for example, will have an entirely new UI that includes a web client that users can access from any device with a web browser.  Nevertheless, the interface will seamlessly integrate with the desktop version and provide users with a familiar environment in which they can conduct their business.

 By giving the customers options, such as Microsoft Partner hosted ERP solutions, Microsoft hopes to give customers the service and subscription-based experience while maintaining the freedom and flexibility of the traditional licensed deployment model.

Just like Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online,  Microsoft Dynamics ERP products are available via subscription right now through specialized hosting/data center providers. Customers who purchase Microsoft Dynamics GP, NAV, AX or SL have the option to buy it or pay a monthly fee to use the software hosted at a data center of their choice. You can find a list of Microsoft partners that offer Dynamics ERP software subscription (or SPLA) services on the ERP Software Blog Microsoft Dynamics ERP Hosting Provider Directory.

Not sure what the difference is between hosted, ondemand, SaaS, subscription, and SPLA? Check out our post: Definitions of 7 Popular Terms Used to Describe ERP Software in the Cloud

Now you can subscribe to both Microsoft Dynamics CRM and a Microsoft Dynamics ERP product. Keep your up front costs low and let someone else take care of the maintenance. And use the products together for a fully intergrated system.

To learn more about the costs of ERP Software in the Cloud download a new white paper 35 Questions Every CFO Needs to Ask about Cloud ERP Software. This white paper includes a sample cost comparison chart including the on-demand or subscription model. Download the full white paper today at: www.erpsoftwareblog.com/cloud-erp.

Request a free Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online quote.and request a free Microsoft Dynamics ERP software quote – including subscription options and costs.

 By CRM Software Blog Editors, Find a Local Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner and Find a Local Microsoft Dynamics ERP Partner

Following the Dynamics CRM Online Model, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Offers Subscription Option is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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There are many powerful CRM software solutions available that can be successfully implemented right out-of-the-box, including Microsoft Dynamics® CRM.  Occasionally, businesses might require a little tweaking of the software to meet certain needs.  Consider the following questions to see how best to implement your CRM software:

1. What type of data do you need to capture and analyze?  Microsoft Dynamics CRM and other robust software platforms can collect data and report on many standard business operations.  Medium to large corporations with specialized operations or services can often mix and match add-on modules to meet their needs.  Global operations, multiple locations, different currencies, and other unique factors can be easily accounted for in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.  However, sometimes a company will have to manage other important relationships, such as distributors, vendors, or other stakeholders, that may not be adequately captured in add-on modules.  Certain unique functions or relationships will require customizing the software.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM is designed to allow customization, by approved software vendors, for these unique scenarios.
2. How do you use your data?  While you might share many of the same business functions as your competitors, there may be something that sets you apart from the rest.  You might have unique data or analytics that aren’t reported in a manner that is useful to you with the standard CRM software.  The type of data, how it is collected and entered, how it is calculated, and how it is reported is important for a successful CRM implementation.  If the data doesn’t make sense to you, then the software will be abandoned quickly.  If the out-of-the-box CRM software isn’t easy to use or doesn’t report data the way you want to see it, then work with your vendor to make the necessary customizations.
3. How dedicated is your IT team and budget?  Simply put, customizations cost time and money.  Your need an IT infrastructure, support, and budget that is able to handle the needed customizations.  Many businesses are choosing to use CRM out-of-the-box to avoid the delay and extra expense that a customization will require.  However, if your entire operation isn’t being tracked appropriately, how can you have an adequate handle on your financials, business relationships, and processes?  It’s better to make your software work for you and not work around your software.  Just add extra time and budget to your CRM implementation rollout.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a comprehensive business intelligent software solution that can be used right out-of-the-box or customized to meet your unique business needs.  Contact Cargas to see how you can successfully implement Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

By Julie Fuller with Cargas Systems, Pennsylvania Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Should you Customize your CRM Software? When Out-of-the-Box May be Just Right is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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Although CRM software has the basic goal of organizing customer interactions in a single application, not all CRM software is alike.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM offers a greater deal of flexibility and versatility than other CRM software.  Your choice of deployment includes on-premise, SaaS, hosted or hybrid, and now, in the cloud.  Since the software code is the same in each method of deployment, data migration from one deployment to another is easy.  You don’t need to lock into a deployment choice, so you are free to change as your business needs may change.  You also have your choice of client – Outlook, web browser, mobile, or online/offline.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM also includes vertical solutions and can be customized to specific data, workflows, or roles.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM has a look and feel similar to Microsoft Outlook which will make training easier and encourage rapid adoption amongst employees.  The Role-Based views will help employees focus on their responsibilities and not be distracted by features or data used by co-workers.  Your sales staff can track and report on all customer interactions, communications, special offers, proposals, and contracts.   Using built-in alerts, staff can quickly convert email responses to leads and route them to the appropriate person with just a few clicks of the mouse.  Being able to understand customer needs and provide quick response will improve sales and customer service.

Simplify the marketing process by using the mail merge feature and email templates.  You can also track attendee data or the results of individual campaigns to determine the return on investment for each marketing event.  Improve the efficiency of your marketing programs by using the workflow and analytics features built-in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.  Setting key performance indicators in the software will help you evaluate individual marketing efforts and track other marketing and sales goals.

If your CRM software has been put on the back burner, now is a good time to take advantage of Microsoft’s discount on Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.  Contact Cargas to see how Microsoft Dynamics CRM can help you drive sales, improve the efficiency of marketing efforts, and improve your customer service.

By Jullie Fuller with Cargas Systems, Pennsylvania Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

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The business case drives the project plan – functionality requirements, software selection, and so forth – setting the direction for the entire deployment. It’s also a crucial for garnering the executive support you need for your initiative to succeed.

What should you include when developing a business case for CRM?

The Vision

Why do you need a new CRM system?

• What’s wrong with your existing CRM processes that you’d like to see improved?
• Are you looking to automate manual processes or eliminate redundant tasks – to reduce personnel expense, improve efficiencies, and lower risk of costly shipping errors?
• Are you looking for more detailed real-time customer intelligence to make sales and marketing campaigns more efficient and effective?

Consider both the cost of doing nothing and the bottom line benefits of solving these issues.

The Value

What value do you expect this CRM deployment to create for your company? Think in terms of metrics or key performance indicators (KPI) to define success and measure progress, such as:

• Increased revenue
• Project payback
• Market share gains
• Profits generated from net new sales
• Productivity, efficiency gains
• Lower customer acquisition costs
• Higher customer retention, improved profit per customer
• Lower customer service costs
• Improved sales conversion ratios
• Shorter sales cycles

The Requirements

What functionality do you need in your CRM system to fulfill the overall vision and drive your key performance indicators? Obtain input from stakeholders who will be impacted by CRM, including those in sales, marketing, customer service, IT, accounting and the C-suite. If one of your target metrics is “productivity gains,” for example, work with sales personnel to identify areas where CRM can eliminate redundant tasks, reduce busy work and give them more time for selling.

Without a clear business case, you could purchase the most powerful software on the market, fully loaded with “bells and whistles,” but see very little results to justify the money – a nightmare scenario for most IT directors and executives tasked with making large-scale technology purchases. To mitigate this risk, contact the technology advisors at ERT Group at 954-825-0888 before making your next CRM investment.

Defining the Case for CRM Before Making the Investment is a post from: CRM Software Blog

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