Updated · Originally published
Does it matter if a Dynamics CRM partner has GOLD certification from Microsoft?
While choosing a Gold-certified partner is certainly not a guarantee of success, it can be a good indication that you are on the right track.
We realize that selecting the right Dynamics CRM partner to entrust your project to can be challenging. Beyond cost, you should compare factors such as project methodology, industry expertise, support options, and even company culture. And there are several reasons why narrowing down your list to partners with a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold competency makes sense.
Here are three requirements for the Dynamics CRM Gold competency and what this means for you as a customer:
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Requirement: Multiple certified professionals.
Six individuals collectively must pass exams dealing with Dynamics CRM Customization, Configurations, Applications, Installation, and Deployment for the current version. Three individuals each must pass a Managing Microsoft Dynamics Implementations exam.
What this means for you: This requirement gives you an idea of the size and scale of the Dynamics CRM partner. In order for a company to have multiple professionals who have passed exams, you know you are not dealing with a small “one-man shop”. Several individuals within the organization possess the necessary skills to complete your project. That means there are more people available to handle your support calls, too.
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Requirement: Customer References.
A Gold-certified partner must submit five unique customer references that feature how, within the previous 12 months, they have provided solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
What this means for you: The organization has a proven track record of delivering successful CRM projects with satisfied customers. Microsoft can call these customers to confirm the details of the project. This gives you an added level of trust that you are working with a company that others would recommend.
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Requirement: Revenue or Seat Count Goals.
A Gold partner must add a minimum number of new customers and generate a minimum amount of revenue for Microsoft each year. In the USA, this is an annual count of 300 Microsoft Dynamics CRM seats (or licenses) or US$200,000 in revenue to Microsoft.
What this means for you: This requirement proves to you that the partner is active and productive. They are not just relying on maintenance work from customers who installed old versions several years ago. They are selling the current version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and lots of it. Many other companies, who hopefully have also done their research, have chosen to purchase from them.
According to Microsoft, “A company with a Microsoft Gold competency has demonstrated its capability and commitment to meet the evolving technology needs of customers through solutions based on Microsoft products and technologies. Worldwide, only 1 percent of the companies in the Microsoft partner ecosystem have attained the distinction of holding a gold competency and earned the right to showcase that distinction and market their competency by displaying a Microsoft Partner Network logo that specifies a company’s gold competency achievement.”
There are so many Microsoft Dynamics CRM partners out there. Doesn’t narrowing the list down to the top 1% make good business sense?
ForgeXRM is proud to say that we have attained the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Gold Competency.
If you are interested in evaluating Microsoft Dynamics CRM for your organization from a Gold-certified partner, contact ForgeXRM.
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By Ryan Plourde, ForgeXRM,
Hi! Where can I find the list of company that have Microsoft Gold CRM competency? I tried in the PinPoint but the results are not for the Gold CRM competeny. Do you know ehere can I find the propher list?
Thank you for your reply.
Katarina Z.