Microsoft has two CRM applications that integrate with Microsoft Outlook. The name is almost the same, but there are specific differences.
- Dynamics 365 for Outlook
- Dynamics 365 App for Outlook
Late in 2016 Microsoft released their latest Outlook add-on, Dynamics 365 App for Outlook (not to be confused with the original Dynamics 365 for Outlook) to address issues the community has with the original version and to offer an improved user experience.
In this post we review the highlights, differences and prerequisites you need to know.
Dynamics 365 for Outlook - Highlights
The Outlook client only works with the full Outlook client. It does not work with OWA and mobile.
- The original Outlook CRM add-on
- Also called the Outlook client
- Full-featured add-in for the desktop version
- Can do all your CRM work within the familiar Outlook interface
- Can work offline
- Cannot use it on mobile devices or via Outlook for Web (OWA)
Dynamics 365 App for Outlook - Highlights
- Considered the lightweight app
- It is the recommended installation (faster, smarter and more convenient and addresses a number of issues with the other installation) for both online and on-premises.
- Enables you to easily track email wherever you are and preview CRM information
- Available within mobile apps (D365 for Phones, D365 for Tablets)
- Available via Outlook for Web (OWA)
- Cannot navigate through Dynamics 365 via Outlook
The Outlook app is pushed out to the client directly from within Dynamics 365. There is no need to manually touch every client computer. Pushing the client to a user once will provide the Outlook app functionality to all supported platforms that the user may access.
Quick Comparison: Full Outlook Client vs. New Outlook App
| Feature | Dynamics 365 App for Outlook | Dynamics 365 for Outlook |
| Track and set regarding for email | Yes | Yes |
| Track and set regarding for appointments | Yes | Yes |
| Track and set regarding for contacts | Yes | Yes |
| Track and set regarding for tasks | No | Yes |
| One click set regarding | Yes | No |
| Shows recipients' summary | Yes | No |
| Shows the regarding record summary in the email/appt | Yes | No |
| Works with Outlook on the web | Yes | No |
| Works with Outlook desktop | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Outlook for the Mac | Yes | No |
| Works with phones | Yes | No |
| Open and create Microsoft Dynamics 365 record directly | Yes | Yes |
| Apply custom forms and business logic | Yes | Yes |
| Work offline | No | Yes |
| Apply email templates | Yes | Yes |
| Apply sales literature | Yes | Yes |
| Apply knowledge articles | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to monitor emails after sending | Yes | No |
| Sort, filter, format, group, and categorize views | No | Yes |
| Create Word mail-merge documents | No | Yes |
| Control field synchronization | No | Yes |
Source:
The “biggest” drawback to the new Dynamics 365 App is the inability to track/set-regard tasks, work offline, manipulate views, and create Word mail-merge docs. Most are minor points and some can be worked around easily enough by addressing the shortfall in Dynamics 365 online.
Prerequisites for using the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook
Your Dynamics 365 system administrator can make Dynamics 365 App for Outlook available to your organization or you can add it yourself if:
- You have the Use Dynamics 365 App for Outlook security privilege.
- Your organization synchronizes mailboxes with server-side synchronization.
- You have Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, or Microsoft Edge
- You have Google Chrome, Firefox (latest version) on Windows
- You have Apple Safari (version 9 or version 10) on Mac or on OSX
The app does not require the user to be logged into Outlook to work. Synchronization of Outlook data happens server-side. No need to worry about those workflow emails not getting delivered.
Using the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook with Mobile Devices
Supported Mobile Devices
- Apple iPhone/iPad devices running iOS version 8, 9, or 10.
- Android devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or 5.0 (Lollipop), 6 (Marshmallow), or 7 (Nougat).
- Windows devices running Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.
The includes prerequisites, a highlight of what the app offers, and details about using the app.
We also suggest you read the post, “Top 10 Reasons to Make the Switch to the Dynamics 365 Outlook App”
If you are interested in evaluating Microsoft Dynamics 365, including how to use it with Outlook, .
By Ryan Plourde, Crowe Horwath, a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Gold Partner
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