One of the great advantages using Microsoft products is their commitment to continuous innovation and improvement. Therefore, it can be easy to lose sight of where you are on the roadmap. Specifically, versions and name changes blend together over time. How can you be sure your business is where it needs to be?
Luckily, we’re here with a brief history to help you navigate all the versions. Additionally, we’ll also get a glimpse of the future. What does Microsoft have in store for future releases?
Microsoft CRM Roadmap: A Brief History
The first version of Microsoft CRM 1.0 released in 2003. Consequently, this on-premise only product contains basic functionality. For instance, the original prototypes for contacts, sales, cases, activities, and notes are in this build.
Next, Microsoft released Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0. This customer relationship management product targets small and large businesses. In comparison to version 1.0, CRM 3.0 added sales and marketing. Additionally, custom entities were now available for creation.
Excitingly, in 2007 Microsoft released their first online implementation. This product is Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. In this build, new features include data management workflows. Additionally, 4.0 greatly increases a business' ability to customize operations with multiple tenancy.
Next, Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 is a game changer. Finally, you can package solutions and deploy to other environments. In addition, create dashboards for easily digested information. Furthermore, the established Office ribbon functionality is added. This allows for easy navigation. Also, this is the beginning of the online implementation phase. No longer are companies required to be tied to on premise servers.
2013 brings a huge investment in mobility. For the first time, Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 can create mobile applications. Additionally, the concept that will become PowerApps is unveiled. Microsoft begins to invest in code-less solutions.
By 2015, the focus was on integration with other platforms. Excel and OneNote are now easily integrated into processes. In addition, social engagement provides connections to the customer base. Also, the marketing application is considerably more robust.
The Current Era: Dynamics 365
Starting in 2016, Microsoft released CRM 2016. You now know this version as . Dynamics 365 integrates with Bing maps. It has an updated Outlook client. Most importantly, the mobile functionality has been enhanced. Specifically, this provides increased mobility for sales teams and service technicians.
From now on, Microsoft will release updates in waves. Now, waves occur twice a year. For example, Wave 1 contains updates from April to October. Conversely, Wave 2 contains updates from October through March. Each wave includes new capabilities and functions. For more information, watch an on-demand overview of the April 2019 release. You can view the roadmap at any time by going to .
What does the CRM Roadmap mean for me?
New versions do not require a huge implementation. For example, the waves continuously keep businesses current. Therefore, Dynamics 365 is now a modern SaaS application. Indeed, Dynamics 365 alerts you to updates through the admin portal. Now, you can schedule updates automatically. Plus, notifications are provided to admins. In addition, skip up to one wave, if necessary. Additionally, features like integrations with LinkedIn bring increasing value to the application.
If you have not migrated to the Dynamics 365 platform yet, there is good news. In conclusion, this will be your last large scale implementation. As you consider this, take advantage of the no obligation assessment.
Contact Us
Barash Consulting is a full-service provider available to support your entire software development lifecycle. We specialize in the following services for Dynamics 365:
- Implementation
- Customization & Configuration
- Re-design & Re-architecture
- Data Migration
- Managed Services
- Advisory & Consulting
Are you ready to explore how Dynamics 365 can support the business needs of your company? Engage with Barash Consulting for a no-obligation assessment of your existing system.
Barash Consulting team members will spend dedicated time with your team and your current system to help you understand how Dynamics 365 can impact your bottom line. After the assessment, we will provide a customized quote and timeline for your project.
Contact us at [email protected] or +1(800)801-2859.
By Amanda Barash, MS, MSCE, MCT