CRM Software Blog» CRM Online

Five Ways to Access Microsoft Dynamics CRM When You’re Out of the Office

Peter Elgar, Concentrix TSG — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:05:06 +0000

Over the past couple of years, one of the most common things we’ve found people specify when talking about their CRM software requirements is that they need to be able to access the system when they’re out of the office.

Being able to access your CRM system at almost any time and from almost anywhere has certainly changed from the ‘nice to have’ requirement it seemed to be a few years ago. Now it’s a fundamental requirement of the majority of CRM projects we come across. Looking at the notes from some of the most recent discussions between our CRM Consultants and people contacting us for the first time, the snippets include:

- “I have five users in different locations across the country, they all need to use the system”

- “All of us need to be able to get into the system when we’re out of the office”.

- “Our Marketing team are office based but most of our sales team will need to use the new CRM system when they’re out visiting customers”.

There are a wide range of considerations to take into account when you’re choosing a CRM solution. However, if remote access to your system and data is important, then that’s certainly a tick in the box for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. And because different organisations have different requirements, there are a number of ways to set the product up to provide remote access. Here are five ways to do it:

1) Internet facing deployment (IFD) of Microsoft Dynamics CRM on-premise (or partner hosted)

Traditionally, on-premise CRM software could only be accessed from an organisation’s internal network. Microsoft Dynamics CRM’s Internet Facing Deployment feature means your business partner or IT staff can set up the software so you can securely access it across the internet. It’s just like using the system from your office. Choosing on-premise with IFD is often the preferred choice for businesses that have a dedicated CRM server, a complex or highly customised system, or need a lot of memory (for example, they need to store a lot of multi-page documents, or larger scanned files or graphics). It can be set up so that it can be accessed internally only, internally and via the IFD, or just via IFD.

2) Use Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is the cloud-based version of the product. You can access the software from just about anywhere you can get an internet connection. This is a popular choice for many businesses, because accessing Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online remotely is a fundamental feature of the product. It’s easy, straightforward and part of its design. It also delivers just about identical functionality to the on-premise version.

3) Access Microsoft Dynamics CRM using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) basically allows your individual users to securely connect to your company network (and therefore your Microsoft Dynamics CRM system) via the internet. Although internet facing deployment is generally the preferred option (using VPN can increase complexity and may limit bandwidth) there are times when you may want to use VPN. Note that VPN’s usually need to be set up by trained IT staff, so tend to be used within organisations that have their own IT department or are particularly IT savvy.

4) Set up Microsoft Dynamics CRM on Mobile devices

Microsoft has a mobile friendly version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM which means you can access it using a smartphone, tablet or similar device. It’s specially designed for mobile products so, like mobile web pages, offers ease of use and viewing. What’s more, in the next product update, due in the second quarter of 2012, there will be a new cloud based mobile CRM service called Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile. This will include a new range of CRM applications (apps) for the most popular smartphones and tablets. A licensed mobile user will be able to access Microsoft Dynamics CRM from up to three different mobile devices.

5) Access Data Offline

Occasionally we’re asked the question “I work in remote areas where there’s not always an internet connection. Can I still access CRM?” The answer is again yes. It is possible to set up Microsoft Dynamics CRM to enable you to work with your data ‘offline’ and synchronise it later. So, even if you can’t get an internet connection, you can still work and use the features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, wherever you are. In the next release, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile will also have an offline mode for most devices.

Of the five options, using Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online or using Internet Facing Deployment to access the system when out of the office are the most common. Mobile is also a popular choice (and is increasingly popular in line with the rise of smartphones), but VPN and offline data access are less common.

Every business is different, and there are various technical and other considerations you need to take into account before choosing how best to access your system remotely. We strongly recommend you talk to your Microsoft Dynamics CRM business partner (and if you have an IT department, talk to them as well) before deciding on which options are best for you.

For more information about Microsoft Dynamics CRM software, its features, functions and deployment options, please contact Concentrix TSG.

By Concentrix TSG, independent UK CRM Specialists

Five Ways to Access Microsoft Dynamics CRM When You’re Out of the Office is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Salesforce.com Shows Signs of Outgrowing Small-to-Medium Businesses; Should You Opt for Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics CRM Online?

Crestwood Associates — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:03:31 +0000

You’ve probably heard of Salesforce.com, the cloud-only CRM service that has gradually grown in popularity and size. It is now positioning itself to move beyond its CRM offerings into a complete platform-as-a-service (PaaS) with a socially-connected system of tools. Their marketing term for this is the “social enterprise” that will supposedly help transform companies into social businesses. Nevertheless, many of these changes seem to suggest Salesforce.com is losing touch with the Small-to-Medium customer, like you and me.

According to Laurie McCabe the new Salesforce.com Winter 2012 release will introduce 150 new features, all of which will work together to paint a new social enterprise structure for businesses. With several new database components, the new Chatter social service, a data analysis tool, and ongoing app development for multiple platforms, Salesforce has been busy building its new technology through development and acquisition. But all of that, McCabe explained, adds up to a lot of separate components to buy.

Salesforce claims it will offer an “all-you-can-eat” social enterprise buffet, allowing businesses to get all of the components for one price. The catch is that they have yet to reveal what that price is and have said they will deal with it on a “case-by-case basis”.

If you’re like us, you aren’t exactly rolling in cash like many of the big enterprises that have been largely unaffected by the recession. You have a limited budget, and one of the most attractive features of the cloud is the transparency in pricing. No company wants to feel like they are being had by a salesperson. Cloud services are supposed to eliminate the complex licensing schemes, additional hardware costs, and costly upgrades that traditional vendors often still cling to so vehemently.

Perhaps that is why so many of us are turning to Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM online. Unlike the competition, Dynamics CRM Online and Office 365 provide a stable set of components that work just as well offline as they do online. Furthermore, the subscription pricing is published right on the Office 365 website for small, midsize, and enterprise businesses. Dynamics CRM Online pricing is boldly shown on the landing page for all to see. I don’t know about you, but up front pricing goes a lot farther than someone telling me they’ll consider it “case-by-case”.

Just some food for thought as you consider moving to the cloud. If you have questions about Dynamics CRM Online and Office 365, please call or email us today.

Donna Krizik / Crestwood Associates LLC, an Illinois Dynamics CRM Partner

Ph: 847-394-8820 x43 Email: dkrizik@crestwood.com

Salesforce.com Shows Signs of Outgrowing Small-to-Medium Businesses; Should You Opt for Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics CRM Online? is a post from: CRM Software Blog

3 Ways to Feel Secure Taking CRM to the Cloud

Frank Nisenboum, Socius — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:44:52 +0000

While there is a strong movement toward deploying business management solutions, like CRM systems, in the cloud, we know that there is still some apprehension. If you are considering a cloud CRM solution, there are a few ways to gain some confidence in your choice:

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

3 Ways to Feel Secure Taking CRM to the Cloud is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Dynamics CRM Fits the Bill for Productivity, Security, and Reliability

Don Carnevale — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:16:29 +0000

Companies investing in CRM solutions should focus on the tangible benefits they receive such as improved user productivity, enhanced customer service delivery, and integrations to current systems. In their research, organizations must determine which CRM providers are contenders and which are pretenders in order to find the solution that best fits their requirements.

Benefits for Company and Management

Above and beyond the product’s features and benefits, companies can take advantage of a well-designed CRM software deployment for:

Quicker response for new leads, call scheduling, appointments and forecasting
Automation of repeatable tasks, such as assignment of leads based on specific criteria, for improved productivity
Better managed sales opportunities for increased revenue
Improved sales effectiveness through best practices and standardized processes

In addition to the company-wide benefits described above, the management team will be able to:

Use real-time data to make better business decisions
Produce more accurate sales forecasts by time period
Use standardized processes and templates for improved training
Help foster better communications between and among sales team members

Confusion over the “Big Boys”

When searching for the CRM solution that best fits your organization, you may become frustrated when evaluating which product best addresses your requirements. The two leading CRM vendors are Microsoft and Salesforce.com. To help
prospective buyers determine the difference in the offerings, Microsoft upped the ante by posting an open letter to Salesforce.com customers. The letter posed the the following questions and comments:

In this economy, how can you justify paying two to three times more than you need to for an enterprise CRM system?*

Microsoft provides a financially backed 99.9 percent uptime commitment for every Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online customer; why does Salesforce.com only provide you with “commercially reasonable efforts” to keep your business running?
Having access to the most up-to-date information is critical to your business; why doesn’t Salesforce.com provide real-time access to data and dashboards, refreshed whenever you need it like Microsoft does?
Microsoft works great with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office; why does Salesforce.com want you to start from scratch when it comes to productivity tools for your people?
Microsoft provides the flexibility for your CRM system to work with other systems, whether they run in the cloud or on-premises; why does Salesforce.com lock you into one way of doing things?

* Comparison based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online v. Salesforce.com Enterprise Edition

Choosing the Right Partner

Make no mistake: the CRM solutions available now offer tremendous benefits to organizations, particularly in the sales, marketing, and customer service areas. One of the most important elements when performing a CRM system search
is identifying and articulating your organization’s key requirements so you can ultimately make an educated decision.

Partnering with an experienced, proven CRM provider will ensure a smart implementation designed for your specific needs. BroadPoint Technologies is the largest Microsoft Dynamics partner in the mid-Atlantic. Contact us at (301) 634-2478 or skane@broadpoint.net to discuss your CRM requirements and schedule a complimentary consultation.

by BroadPoint Technologies, Virginia Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Dynamics CRM Fits the Bill for Productivity, Security, and Reliability is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online – UK Introductory Price Offer Ending Shortly

Peter Elgar, Concentrix TSG — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:40:40 +0000

Ever since Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online was launched in the UK back in January, it’s been available at an offer price of only £22.75 (GBP) per user per month.

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

Top Three Things I Learned at Extreme CRM 2011

Jim Drumm, Sikich — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:27:29 +0000

It was a great turnout at the premier partner event for Microsoft Dynamics CRM this year in Las Vegas; lots of excitement around the product and many interesting takeaways. Here are the top three things I learned while at the conference and I hope you’ll learn something too!

First of all, Matt Keenan from Microsoft gave an excellent keynote about the Future of CRM. I learned that Microsoft has market momentum with 1200+ partners, 2M+ users, 30,000+ customers, and 2200+ CRM apps in the Dynamics marketplace. Amazing numbers indeed! He also focused on how the functionality of Microsoft Dynamics® CRM is tailored to productivity and helping companies do more with less. I think this resonates with many companies out there today trying to bounce back from the economic recession.
Tony Clayton from Microsoft also gave an interesting presentation around CRM Online. Did you know that Microsoft has committed $2.3B to the cloud infrastructure so far? They’ve also created state-of-the-art datacenters with 30,000 engineers working on Cloud services, creating optimal public and private cloud flexibility. Today, Microsoft has 150,000 concurrent users, .40 second average response time, and 16.87 million transactions per day.
In addition to some interesting statistics around CRM, a few presentations focused on the issues users have with CRM. One of which was integrations. Some companies plunge into integrations before they know for sure if they even need it. There are alternatives that could save users time and money, such as SSRS reporting, iFrame embedding, BI tools, and system integration instead of data integration. Whatever your situation, make sure you cover all the bases before moving into complicated integration of your CRM data.

All in all, I learned a lot while in Las Vegas for extreme 2011 and hope these three “takeaways” help paint a better picture about what Microsoft Dynamics CRM is about and how to handle some predominating issues in the CRM space today. If you have more questions either about CRM in general or how Microsoft Dynamics CRM can help your business, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Sikich.

By Jim Drumm with Sikich, Chicago IL Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner serving IL and MO

Top Three Things I Learned at Extreme CRM 2011 is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Easily Compare Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online with Oracle and Salesforce.com Using these Tools

Intelligent Technologies, Inc. — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:50:23 +0000

Does your organization currently use Salesforce.com or Oracle CRM? Are you considering making the move to a new CRM system? Because that decision is one that should not be taken lightly and can quickly become overwhelming, I thought I’d dedicate one of this month’s blog posts to letting our readers know about a couple of helpful tools Microsoft has developed to help Salesforce.com and Oracle customers compare their current systems to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

CRM feature comparison chart—A great high level overview of the differences between CRM offerings, this webpage gives an easy to read, head to head comparison of which key features are included in Oracle, Salesforce.com and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.
CRM price calculator—Fill out this simple form to find out how much your company could save by switching to Dynamics CRM Online from Oracle or Salesforce.com. The results may leave you wondering why you didn’t make the move sooner.

Note: Both the tools are hosted on the same page within the Microsoft site and the system defaults to taking users to the price calculator. To see the feature comparison chart, click the link above and look for a yellow button near the top of the page labeled, “See Feature Comparison.”

Need even more incentive to switch to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online? Did you know that right now new Dynamics CRM Online customers can get $150 cash back from Microsoft for every seat that they buy? Better yet, there are no restrictions on how you use the money, the choice is yours! Learn more about this amazing offer in last month’s blog post, “Think You Can’t Afford a Great CRM system? You Can With Microsoft’s Cloud CRM for Less offer!”

After looking over all of the evidence presented here, I’m confident that many of you will agree the time is right to liberate your business from your legacy CRM system and move to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, a cost effective and user friendly choice.

Contact Inetlligent Technologies today to get started!

by Intelligent Technologies, Inc. North Carolina Microsoft CRM Partner

Easily Compare Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online with Oracle and Salesforce.com Using these Tools is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Think You Can’t Afford a Great CRM system? You Can With Microsoft’s Cloud CRM for Less offer!

Intelligent Technologies, Inc. — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:11:14 +0000

The Cloud CRM for Less offer introduced by Microsoft on August 29, 2011 makes this a great time for you to consider Microsoft Dynamics CRM online, whether you’re unhappy with your current CRM provider or considering purchasing CRM software for the first time. From now until March 31, 2012 new Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online customers who purchase between 50 and 500 licenses and sign a minimum two-year agreement will receive $150 back from Microsoft for each license purchased.

I know what you’re thinking, this sounds great, but there must be a catch. There’s no catch, as long as you honor your two-year agreement, the $150 per license that you receive from Microsoft is yours to do with as you wish. Many organizations choose to put the money towards speeding up their CRM implementation, but if your organization would rather use the money for another purchase, that is completely up to you.

Other FAQs:

Q: In what countries is this offer available?

A: This offer is available to customers in the United States and Canada.

Q: My company would like to buy more than 500 licenses for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. Are we still eligible for this offer?

A: Yes you are. Here’s how it would work. Let’s say for example you are interested in buying 600 licenses for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. You would receive the incentive for the first 500 licenses you purchase. The additional 100 licenses would not be eligible for cash back.

Q: When and how will I be able to claim the money I’m owed?

A: Once you have signed a purchase agreement and are a paying subscriber for at least 30 days you will be able to claim your funds through the “Claim funds” link on the Cloud CRM for Less webpage. This will take you to a secure portal where Microsoft will verify your subscription and ask where you would like payment to be made.

Q: How long will it take for my organization to receive payment?

A: You can expect payment in 12 weeks or less from the time you sign up for Dynamics CRM Online.

Q: Can I take advantage of this offer more than once between now and March 31, 2012?

A: Certainly, as long as the number of seats you requesting fall within the guidelines for this offer. For example, in November you decide that you would like to begin by purchasing 50 licenses, but because you like the service so much, you decide to buy another 450 licenses in March. In that case, all of your purchases would be covered under this offer.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the Cloud CRM for Less offer, but would like to see Microsoft Dynamics CRM in action first, we can help. We have two informative Dynamics CRM webinar recordings available for download on our website; Get Personal with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 System Modification.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to take advantage of this amazing, limited time offer.

By: Laura Heinbockel; Intelligent Technologies, Inc., a Greensboro, NC Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Think You Can’t Afford a Great CRM system? You Can With Microsoft’s Cloud CRM for Less offer! is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Microsoft’s Aggressive Cloud CRM Strategy Pays Off for Adopters

Frank Nisenboum, Socius — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:23:27 +0000

Unlike other cloud solutions vendors, Microsoft has taken a broad approach to their cloud development, focusing on a strategy that reflects real business needs by including infrastructure, platform, and application layers. Because of this, Microsoft’s cloud CRM solution, Dynamics CRM Online, extends beyond itself to seamlessly interoperate with Outlook, Office, SharePoint and Lync, as well as cloud services such as Windows Azure and Office 365.

These capabilities, combined with the proven ROI of Dynamics CRM Online, have given Microsoft the differentiation it needs to take an aggressive cloud message to the marketplace. Part of that plan includes financially assisting companies interested switching cloud CRM vendors to begin using Dynamics CRM Online.

“There are some hard costs associated for customers that decide to move vendors. As customers are evaluating their options, we want to make it easier for them to make a move should they choose to do so,” said Michael Park, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Business Solutions Sales, Marketing, and Operations.

That is why Microsoft is offering $150 (USD) cash for each Dynamics CRM Online user license purchased between now and March 31, 2012. Each user license costs only $44 per month! With the cash incentive, an organization that buys 50 seats, gets $7,500; one that buys 500 seats, gets $75,000!

Learn more and take advantage of this great offer today!

According to Park, this offer is just one aspect of Microsoft’s strategy to “enable our customers to build a cloud on their terms that will deliver improved agility and responsiveness, increased business alignment, and higher ROI for the long term.”

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

Microsoft’s Aggressive Cloud CRM Strategy Pays Off for Adopters is a post from: CRM Software Blog

Ensure the Success of Your CRM Online Go-Live: Check!

Frank Nisenboum, Socius — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:36:19 +0000

Some of the greatest benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online are its ease of implementation, ease of customization, ease of support, and ease of use. Despite all of these benefits, the best way to ensure that you are implementing your Dynamics CRM Online solution accurately and efficiently is to engage the trusted CRM partner that you purchased through.

With the support of your CRM partner, your CRM Online users and administrators can benefit from having some clear-cut information that will help you have the best possible experience with your new solution, even before you start using it.

To help your organization prepare for a successful implementation of CRM Online and maintain a positive functional experience with your solution, Microsoft has prepared a “Go-Live Checklist.” This document features a compilation of common configuration settings and tasks along with important online resources that your entire business can leverage over and over again.

This is a great resource, especially for organizations interested in taking advantage of the complimentary 30-day trial of Dynamics CRM Online. Go through the checklist before you kick off your trial to get the most out of the solution and to get a better understanding of how it will truly work for your organization.

Download the Dynamics CRM Online Go-Live Checklist now!

By Socius, a Dynamics CRM Online partner in Ohio, Kansas City, and California

Ensure the Success of Your CRM Online Go-Live: Check! is a post from: CRM Software Blog

CRM Software Blog» CRM Online

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