Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

Pegasus Opera II to Dynamics CRM 4.0 connector anywhere?

Jonathan Rowley — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:35:16 GMT

I am working with a client who is interested in the integration between Opera II from Pegaus Financials and Dynamics CRM 4.0 which I am helping them implement.

Does anyone here know of a Connector on general availability?

Price / Function?

Many thanks

Re: Quarterly partner roadshow

NeilBenson — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:56:19 GMT

Perfik! Thanks Louise.

I'm skiing in March, but I've submitted a request for the CRM Roadshow in Feb.

Re: Quarterly partner roadshow

Louise Watkins — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:46:01 GMT

Hi Neil,

The Dynamics Training schedule is located on the Microsoft Partner Network here: https://partner.microsoft.com/UK/productssolutions/40121605

All Dynamics Information is all listed here https://partner.microsoft.com/UK/productssolutions/dynamics (FYI) to help partners

In answer to your question however, the next roadshow dates are: 9th Feb, Edinburgh; 10th Feb, Manchester; 11th Feb, Reading, You can sign up for these here: https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plxauthentication/Default.aspx?Authenticated=true&ID=2b5fac31-bc9b-4bfc-bd35-491779fe4730 You will need to login. If you have any problems. Call this number: 0870 850 9442

We also have a great sales excellence day designed for Sales professionals and managers within the Dynamics channel on 1st March in Reading. More information can be found here: https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/management/registrationex/LMS_Registration.aspx?UserMode=0&Mode=0&ActivityID=572810

Quarterly partner roadshow

NeilBenson — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:22:10 GMT

Is there a quarterly CRM partner roadshow coming up in Feb? If so, can someone share the details?

Thanks, Neil

Re: UK Online Offering

David Brown — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:03:30 GMT

Hi Jonathan… great questions.

Here’s the detail on the current CSA fee programs and yes there is a difference in CSA fees between On Premise and Online. But with customer aqusition processes being so different I’d expect a variance today and going forwards. Something you should maybe take offline with the UK team and look at a few deal examples.

New L & SA – On premise

• 25% on “transaction list price* < 100K”

• 20% on “100K< transaction list price < 500K”

• 10% on “transaction list price > 500K”

Online revenue

18% first year on new annual contract, 6% in consecutive years on recurring revenue

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online will be available through Enterprise Agreement and Campus / School Agreement only to customers in North America (USA and Canada Only) until we launch internationally late 2010.

Hope this helps.

Re: UK Online Offering

Jonathan Rowley — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:12:47 GMT

Hi David,

I've reviewed the document you linked to relating to CSA fees for onsite and online CRM offerings and unless I'm missing something the model as presented within outlines and provides:

25% Margin (CSA Fee) to a Partner at present for on-site CRM - the current position
12% Margin (CSA Fee) for new CRM Online seats is proposed.

A direct impact on partner revenue and compensation - thats' what I was seeking to understand -

Have I understood this correctly, if so - then things look to be getting tougher when CRM online finally arrives on these shores?

Secondly - you refer to CRM online being currently available on EA pricelists as of 1st December - does this apply to any Customer with an EA in the UK and if so again does the above CSA regime apply?

Hope that helps re Feedback.

Re: UK Online Offering

David Brown — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:52:07 GMT

Glad to see there is interest in this topic…. Just points of clarification here;

- CRM Online will be available internationally late 2010.

- In relation to the margin question please review and understand the compensation model. We’re always looking to understand your feedback on this and how it impacts your ability to succeed so please get in touch and give us your feedback; https://partner.microsoft.com/download/global/40049276 and https://partner.microsoft.com/global/productssolutions/dynamics/microsoftdynamicscrm/40012663

- Life changing or marketing changing comment – It will be! Following the R4 launch we’ve seen unprecedented levels of trial requests from customers across segment and industry. Many US partners believe CRM Online will be the biggest lead generation engine for Microsoft CRM and in 12 months their view is it will be the first view over 90% of all prospects will have of our solution. It is a big ‘game changer’ in relation to marketing and how we should all think about marketing.

- Attraction of unprofitable accounts – Due to the target scenarios for Microsoft Dynamics® CRM Online: Organizations looking to quickly deploy an online CRM solution, Organizations that want a rapid and effective way to track their contacts, Organizations looking for intuitive SFA and Dashboard capabilities, Companies with limited or no IT infrastructure or resources, Departmental or regional deployments that are part of a larger entity and Organizations migrating from a competitive online CRM application. We will see large demand across segments. However, On the 1^st December 2009 we made CRM Online available on EA pricelist making it easier for large customers as well as small, to do business with us – Organizations with Enterprise Agreements can now purchase CRM Online from the EA pricelist and leverage volume discounts.

There will be lots of information and readiness coming in a few months so if you want to be first to market with CRM Online please let Hayley and UK team know. FYI worth having a look at what Pelagic (Canadian CRM Online partner who closed over 70 deals in their first 12 months) has to say about things; http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/01/racking-up-online-deals.aspx

Re: UK Online Offering

NeilBenson — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:12:55 GMT

Hi Jonathan, at the Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Europe conference in October, I was disappointed that the CRM team failed to show any demos or screenshots of "CRM5". But they did hint that Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online would be launched in Europe in 2010 and would probably be available around the same time as "CRM5". The latest guidance we have for "CRM5" is late 2010 (Nov/Dec?).

It makes sense that Microsoft Online Services are waiting for the next version of CRM before launching it outside of North America. Given that it will be three years since the current version was released, upgrading to CRM5 will probably require significant planning and effort, so there's no point launching CRM Online in Europe a few months before a major upgrade. I think it'll be early 2011 before CRM Online is available in the UK. Maybe a little earlier if the CRM team ship CRM to the Online Services team before general availability.

Personally, I'm not sure it'll be life changing or marketing changing. Margins are very slim and not going to improve (look at BPOS), and some features and customisability are limited (but will hopefully be improved in CRM5), and most addons are not supported for CRM Online. So while I think it'll help Microsoft compete against salesforce.com, I don't see how it will benefit partners much. You can already generate decent consulting revenues from customer-hosted or partner-hosted CRM. CRM Online is likely to attract lots of small businesses who don't spend much on consulting anyway.

Regards, Neil

Re: UK Online Offering

Jonathan Rowley — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:36:10 GMT

Any closer to a UK launch date?

Potentially life changing market changing moment I think.

Re: Interested in understanding Software Assurance Benefits for your customers for CRM?

Louise Watkins — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:53:56 GMT

Hi Neil,

Apologies this is a bit a late - I was on holiday from 18th. I hope you had a good Christmas!

Partners do get 5% of SA Renewals and you can also claim 25% on CSA on the license only cost. You can also claim additional 25% CSA on additional licenses. So, there is an incentive for Partners to renew.

With regards to the upgrade, if the customer is on version 3 and has not come up for renewal yet, they can get access to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 with current Software Assurance
– Download Dynamics CRM 4.0 with 90-day license keys
– Receive media kit (DVDs) or
– Download Key

But, in answering your question on additional benefits. Software Assurance is more than just an upgrade. Customers get a broad range of benefits to help Customers manage costs, get the most out of their new technologies, and improve employee productivity… Benefits include:

•           Consulting services
•           Training
•           Around-the-clock web support
•           Technical resources

These benefits help increase the return on their technology investment by supporting budget predictability, lowering operating expenses, improved productivity, and minimised downtime.

Customers can choose Software Assurance at the time of purchase and begin using benefits immediately for the term of their license agreement.

In addition to this, they receive access ti CustomerSource and Technet.

CustomerSource - (Open, Open Value, Select, Enterprise Agreement). Is our secure, password-protected site for Microsoft Dynamics customers, CustomerSource, provides access to online training, discussion boards, downloads, news, a subscription service, and more. Customers can also search the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Knowledge Base and submit and track CRM support incidents using the support area of site, available in 12 languages. If the customer is on Select or EA they also get a TechNet Plus subscription. It’s worth calling this out by name as customers might be paying for it separately. TechNet Plus - (Select or Enterprise Agreement). subscription is the definitive resource of tools, software, and utilities that IT professionals rely on to plan, deploy, manage, and support the Microsoft products and technologies you use.

Please see here for details: http://www.microsoftpartnercommunity.co.uk/groups/microsoft_dynamics_crm_40/media/default.aspx of these benefits and a guide the our licensing model. This is good feedback however, and we’ll be looking into producing a partner deck specifically for SA benefits if you feel the licensing deck doesn’t quite do the job,

Many thanks and speak soon
Louise

Dynamics CRM Pricing a Licensing Document

Louise Watkins — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:44:17 GMT

This is a useful guide to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Licensing

Re: Interested in understanding Software Assurance Benefits for your customers for CRM?

NeilBenson — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:47:11 GMT

Hi Louise, I think customers (rather than partners) would be interested in knowing more about the benefits of Software Assurance for Dynamics CRM.

As far as I know, partners get nothing when a customer renews their CRM SA. So partners have no incentive to mention it.

Customers know that they need to be involved in SA in order to qualify for the next version of CRM when it ships. But with over three years between CRM releases and the fact that SA doesn't include ANY support from Microsoft it's not seen as a good value investment by customers.

Announcing the Fuel Your Growth Promotion – Earn a further 10% CSA Fee

Louise Watkins — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:07:04 GMT

What is the Fuel Your Growth Promotion?

· CRM Software Advisors (CSAs) who grow CRM revenue from 5 October 2009 to 26 February 2010 compared to the same timeframe last fiscal year will earn an additional CSA fee of 10% of the underlying eligible revenue for which CSA claims have been made.

· Specific dates are as follows

o Current Year – 5 October 2009 to 26 February 2010

o Base Year - 6 October 2008 to 27 February 2009

Who is eligible for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM “Fuel Your Growth” promotion?

· Only CRM Software Advisors (CSAs) located in any of the following countries who participate in this promotion can participate:

o North America: Canada, USA

o Europe: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, UK

o LatAm: All countries

o Asia & Pacific: No participation

What are the terms & conditions of the program?

· The underlying CRM transaction must occur during the promotional period, i.e. eligible Revenue must be recorded by Microsoft in the qualifying period

· CRM Software Advisors can still utilize the standard 120 days allowed under the CSA program to claim a transaction. In order to eligible for the promotion, valid claims must be submitted within 120 days, but not later than by June 26, 2010. A CRM transaction that happens on February 15 can thus be claimed until June 15 and still be included in this promotion.

· Both Microsoft Dynamics CRM on-premise and CRM Online revenue is eligible, as long as CSA claims have been made.

Where can I go for more information on the promotion and to sign up?

· Additional information on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM “CSA Top Off for Top Growth” can be found at the Microsoft Partner Network and PartnerSource.

· Please speak with your PAM for further information. We will be holding a Live meeting in 2 weeks to answer any FAQs.

How do I become a CRM Software Advisor?

· To learn more about becoming a Microsoft Dynamics CRM Software Advisor go to: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/productssolutions/dynamics/microsoftdynamicscrm/40012663

New Dynamics Training one-stop shop training available

Louise Watkins — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:05:51 GMT

Title: New Dynamics Training one-stop shop training available

Description:

The new season of Dynamics classroom courses are now available through the Partner Development Team featuring Microsoft Partner Technology Advisors and Expert Training Partners - Firebrand and Harness IT.

The Partner Development Centre for Dynamics has been crafted to deliver great training to assist our partners to maximise their Dynamics revenue:

1. Train and certify your staff in Microsoft Dynamics
2. Develop additional sales skills needed to win business
3. Help develop your go-to-market strategy
4. Help close deals and deliver projects
5. Supply added resources where needed

You can browse our classroom training by clicking on the LIVE tab and for on-demand webcasts click RECORDED.

If you would like to speak to someone to get advice on which course is best for you and your organisation...

Tel: 0709 298 1088
Email: info@ukdynamicspdc.com

Note: A login will be required to access full training details or register for courses.

Link: Click here to view the Dynamics Training online

Re: Register for the latest Sept/Oct CRM Training

Louise Watkins — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:04:16 GMT

Hi Don

Hope this is what you need

Dynamics CRM 2WIN Series - Day 3 - The third day in the 2WIN Series for CRM. This presales day is product specific with the UK Dynamics CRM Team. This hands-on course give delegates the chance to learn some tips and trick on building demonstrations and put the Demo2WIN and Discovery2WIN knowledge into practice with an example scenario. Delegates should bring Laptop with a Minimum 4GIG RAM and UK VPC downloaded.

1. 05 November 2009
09:00:00 - 17:00:00 GMT

Locations, Facilities

Babbage, Microsoft TVP

Reading, United Kingdom

Registration deadline

04 November 2009

2. 03 February 2010
09:00:00 - 17:00:00 GMT

Locations, Facilities

Dorney, Microsoft TVP

Reading, United Kingdom

Registration deadline

02 February 2010

3. 12 May 2010
09:00:00 - 17:00:00 BST

Locations, Facilities

Dorney, Microsoft TVP

Reading, United Kingdom

Registration deadline

11 May 2010

Re: Register for the latest Sept/Oct CRM Training

donwiid — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:13:54 GMT

Thanks for posting Louise.

Could you please post when the next series of DEMO2WIN courses are scheduled - I don't want to to the courses out of sequence.

Thanks

Don

Register for the latest Sept/Oct CRM Training

Louise Watkins — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:49:09 GMT

Dynamics CRM

Sales

· Dynamics CRM RoadShow - dates from 22nd Sept (Manchester), 23^rd Sept (Reading), 24th Sept (Edinburgh) The Microsoft Dynamics RoadShow is your chance to meet with the PTA (Partner Technology Advisors) and Product Managers to hear the latest news and updates for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, as well as getting an early view of developments in the Microsoft Dynamics products. After lunch you can join our roundtable discussion forum giving you the opportunity to talk to us and your peers about the issues that interest you.

· Dynamics CRM Sales Workshop – dates from 7^th September at Reading with some dates in Edinburgh and Manchester. People moving into the Dynamics CRM space for the first time will get all the essential information to enable them to market and sell Dynamics CRM.
Established CRM marketers, sales and pre-sales will get a sound refresh of latest positioning, thinking and collateral to get them to the top of their game.

Pre-Sales

· Dynamics CRM 2WIN Series - Day 3 - dates from 14^th Sept (Reading) The third day in the 2WIN Series for CRM. This presales day is product specific with the UK Dynamics CRM Team. This hands-on course give delegates the chance to learn some tips and trick on building demonstrations and put the Demo2WIN and Discovery2WIN knowledge into practice with an example scenario.

· Dynamics CRM 4.0 Tech Accelerator Workshop – dates from 1^st October (Reading). This course has been designed to further enhance your technical capability above and beyond that of certification. This course concentrates on real world scenarios with hands-on-lab videos walking you through how to extend Dynamics CRM to deliver rich dashboards with Dundas \ Microsoft Office Performance Point Server, Contextual Document Management with SharePoint and the Plug-in architecture, plus many more!

Introduction to xRM. One Platform. Many Applications - Great Video!

Louise Watkins — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:00:11 GMT

Seen this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yru5CkANOKA

One Platform. Many Applications. Infinite Possibilities. Introducing the xRM platform underlying Microsoft Dynamics CRM that allows organisations to rapidly develop many different unique line of business applications, ranging from the simple to the most complex.

Email Marketing with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

Alistair — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:10:22 GMT

Hi All

Just a quick post to let all know that eCampaign from 2B.net is nearly of of test, eCampaign is an effective add-on for Microsoft Dynamics CRM allowing email marketing, creation of trackable HTML templates and the send of bulk attachments.

If you did feel that you wanted to track progress of the the email marketing add-on for dynamics we have a separate group running on LinkiedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1803842&trk=hb_side_g

Thanks again

Alistair

Want to show your customers a working CRM 4 enviroment?

Chris Pickles — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:03:14 GMT

Hi all....

If you do have any clients wanting to see a working non production CRM platform f1 Group would be willing to offer access to our Virtual Platform via an RDP client on a secure VLAN. You can have access to the backend server which is currently running SBS 2008 with SQL 2008 on and the Dynamics server currently on a Server 2008 Ent platform. The Outlook 2007 client is currently on the Dynamics platform but works perfectly well.

Let me know if anyone is interested :)

Thanks

Chris