What’s Next for Microsoft Dynamics CRM?

Today Microsoft released their PreRelease Guide for Dynamics CRM Q2 2012 Update detailing the developments coming to the industry leading CRM solution this spring.  This new release will include:

• Improvements to mobility through the launch of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile
• Accessibility from additional browsers
• Extended social features and additional developments to the activity feeds
• Out-of-the box industry templates
• Performance improvements due to SQL Server 2012
• Product certifications to keep your business compliant

Let’s take a deeper look at what each of these elements means for a company using Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Mobility

This online service is available for an additional per user monthly subscription to users of either Dynamics CRM on-premise or CRM Online. Each Dynamics CRM Mobile user can roll out the solution on up to 3 devices and leverage 10 different languages.  Each user has administrative tools to personalize their own experience to see the most relevant data on their devices.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile will adopt the native capabilities of the device it is deployed on, meaning that it is optimized for touch and includes capabilities that you are accustomed to on your mobile devices, like auto-calling and one-click access to maps.

Additional Browsers

All Microsoft Dynamics solutions are developed to work the way that people work so that the users are empowered.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM is no exception.  With the Q2 2012 Update, you will be able to access the web client of Dynamics CRM on the following browsers:

Social Features

Building off of the social advancements made in the last release, Dynamics CRM will now include “Like/Dislike” buttons on Activity Feeds.  Additionally, Microsoft will be launching Social Customer Care within Dynamics CRM by the end of 2012.

Industry Templates

Continuing the theme of working the way you work, Dynamics CRM now provides out-of-the-box support of industry specific processes for the following niches:  Life Annuity Insurance Sales, Non-Profit, Health Plan Sales, and Wealth Management.  These templates will be available in the Microsoft MarketPlace which is accessible from within Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

SQL Server 2012

This update is developed on the emerging SQL Server 2012 technology, which will provide performance improvements and give users the ability to further leverage the Microsoft stack to get next generation business intelligence.

Certifications

By the time the Q2 2012 Update rolls out, Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be certified in the following areas:

• ISO 27001
• SAS70 Type II
• Sarbanes-Oxley

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Service

• Safe Harbor
• ISO 27001
• SSAE 16 SOCI (Type II)
• Data Processing Agreement (DPA)
• EU Model Clauses
• Business Associates Agreement – enables a company to be Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant

This means that if your organization is required to comply with any of these regulations, your technical requirements have been met and you are free to focus on the business process elements of your certification.

Be poised to take advantage of all of these improvements by getting started with Microsoft Dynamics CRM today!  Start a free 30-day trial now and your business will be ready to start using these new features and functionality as soon as they are available!

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