Microsoft Dynamics CRM Simplifies Moving to the Cloud

If your company or organization is thinking of investing in (or upgrading) a Customer/Membership Management System (CRM), you’ve probably heard about Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and cloud computing. CRM Online has been the main focus of Microsoft for some time and seems to be the future of how we conduct business.

Running CRM in the Cloud is an exciting concept to a lot of people, but there are those who don’t like the idea of relinquishing control of their systems or reconstructing their applications online.

Microsoft Makes the Move Easier

To make the move to the cloud a bit more comfortable, Microsoft offers two solutions that can be used with CRM Online: Windows Azure Platform and Business Productivity Online Services (BPOS).

Windows Azure, a Flexible Cloud-Computing Platform

Though many companies have already moved their relationship management systems to the cloud, there are still many that hate the idea of moving their accounting systems too.

Microsoft’s Windows Azure, a cloud-computing platform, offers companies a way to securely integrate on-premise applications, like accounting applications, with CRM Online.

AppFabric & Security

Azure AppFabric, specifically, helps in preventing hackers from accessing information in the cloud. AppFabric’s Service Bus serves as a demilitarized zone (DMZ) but only allows authenticated services to have access. AppFabric’s Access Control Service also helps in managing app to app requests.

With these services, you can be sure your connection to on-premise applications within the cloud is safe.

Integrating the BPOS Suite with CRM Online

Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Services (BPOS) is a suite of products that integrate very easily with CRM Online. Some of the products in the suite include:

• Microsoft Exchange
• SharePoint
• Office Communicator
• Live Meeting

Using both Azure and BPOS from Microsoft, a company can feel much more confident about the reliability and security of their CRM system in the cloud. They can also better assess what should be kept on-premise rather than in the cloud.

For more information on the Azure platform and how it works, read these Windows Azure whitepapers.  Contact Steve Kane at 301-634-2404 or skane@broadpoint.net to find out how BroadPoint Technologies, the premier Dynamics CRM reseller in Virginia, can help you have a more meaningful relationship with your customers.

by BroadPoint Technologies, a Virginia Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner