Updated · Originally published
Evaluating a new CRM package, and a new CRM partner, is an important project. In my experience, customers I speak with almost always ask some or all of these seven questions:
- What does Microsoft Dynamics CRM require to run?
Microsoft Dynamics CRM currently runs on Windows Server and Microsoft SQL Server; you can choose to run the application on your premises or subscribe to a hosted solution where a Microsoft Partner or Microsoft hosts your solution for you.
- What is a better deployment model, hosted or on-premise?
It all depends on your specific needs. On-premise is less expensive over the long term, but it requires that you have the IT infrastructure in place to house the application on-site. Hosted solutions require less up-front cost and limited IT infrastructure support, but can be expensive over time.
- What support options are available to me?
If you purchase Software Assurance, you are entitled to online tutorials, 24-hour web-based support from Microsoft, and support incidents for direct calls with Microsoft Technical Support. The Microsoft Partner and user community is vast, and there are a number of free blogs and newsgroups focused on Microsoft Dynamics CRM. ForgeXRM provides support to all of our customers, and it’s one of the reasons we’ve been successful, because our clients are successful and supported.
- What will it cost me to implement Microsoft Dynamics CRM?
Software licenses, training, and installation costs are fairly simple to figure out. The big unknowns are the specific business and functional requirements you require to have translated into the system. Our process sets expectations upfront and every step of the way; and is applied to every engagement and never waivers - no matter the size or scope of the project. The majority of our projects, from discovery through final training, fall between 40 – 150 hours. Some projects are less, some are more, but we make sure you know that upfront and throughout the process. At ForgeXRM, we provide fixed bid proposals, so there are no surprises.
- How long will it take me to implement Microsoft Dynamics CRM?
We need to define your requirements first, but after that, we will provide the actual timeline and cost for the overall project implementation. If the requirements are limited in scope, including minor data migration requirements, we could have you up and running in a couple of days.
- Is Microsoft Dynamics CRM easy for us to customize?
Yes. But you ultimately need to define ‘easy’. It ships with rich ‘out of the box’ customization capabilities that allow for drag and drop form configurations, point and click field definitions, powerful workflow automation and flexible role based security. At ForgeXRM, we prefer to empower our customers through proper training and guidance to become self-sufficient, and take ownership of their solution.
- If we take on the customizations, can ForgeXRM still help us with our more complex requirements?
We liken Microsoft Dynamics CRM to a big ball of clay. We work with it day in and day out. The application platform Microsoft Dynamics CRM is built upon provides developers with the basic services required to mold the solution in many different ways. We build and automate 3rd party system integrations, develop outside business applications integrated with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, design rich web portals, and create custom dashboard solutions. ForgeXRM’s value typically falls outside the scope of our customers' comfort zones and the out-of-the-box configuration capabilities.
If you are interested in evaluating Microsoft Dynamics CRM from ForgeXRM, contact us.
ForgeXRM + Microsoft
develops innovative solutions that drive productivity and empower businesses to achieve more with the and .
With our deep specialization, industry-leading CRM solutions for and , and Add-Ons for and our configurable , we accelerate innovation and empower businesses to maximize their CRM investments.
. We’d love to connect and learn more about your goals and explore how can support your organization’s needs.
By Ryan Plourde, ForgeXRM,
