Upgrade to Dynamics CRM 4.0  

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 is a complete customer relationship management (CRM) solution that provides the capabilities that organizations need to gain and retain competitive advantage in today's business world.

Microsoft relies on customers to guide product evolution. To this end, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM team spent significant time listening to customers and observing how they use CRM. The results of this research have helped us bring our customers Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. Here's a quick look at the latest Microsoft Dynamics CRM features.

 

Improved
end-user
benefits

 

User interface improvements make Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 even easier to use and make it simpler to complete tasks with fewer clicks. And when end users have tools that are easy to use, it not only means they can work more efficiently, it helps make them happier in their work.

New benefits to end users include AutoComplete, so they don't have to type the same information over and over; faster searching; support for bulk execution and closure of campaigns; and improved mail merge. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 also enables users to customize their Navigation Pane to give them fast access to information they need and data relevant to their specific work role.

Other refinements include tools to create reports from their CRM data without IT support; advanced functionality that enables users to create, find, and implement workflows; more consistent offline user experience with offline reporting and customization; and improved synchronization.

 

Dynamic Data Connections in Microsoft Office Excel

 

Work in Office Excel with a dynamic connection to CRM data.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 supports dynamic data connections with Office Excel spreadsheet software so users can work with CRM data using familiar productivity tools. Users can import dynamic CRM data into Office Excel from Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and refresh it from live CRM data while they work using easily accessible controls in the Microsoft Office ribbon. This allows them to take advantage of the data analysis tools of Office Excel for work with their CRM data.

 

Greater support for global business

 

Many companies require the ability to work in multiple languages and currencies whether globally or within their own geographical area. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 client provides improved support for multiple languages and currencies, making multinational deployments for Microsoft Dynamics CRM much easier.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 supports multi-language deployments, so users can work and share data seamlessly in the language of their choice. Users can also create and store reports in their native language. And reports can also easily be shared between users working in multiple languages.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 also allows transactions to be recorded in localized currencies. The CRM system maintains a list of international exchange rates and automatically converts currency amounts to a base currency for reporting purposes.

 

Flexible hosting scenarios with multi-tenant installations

 

Many CRM scenarios require an organization to support multiple groups of CRM software users while keeping their data distinct. For example, a hosting company may have multiple customers using Microsoft Dynamics CRM, or a company with an affiliate model might require each affiliate to keep their data separate from the others.

In the past, a separate server installation of CRM was required for each customer. With Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, which is built on a multi-tenant architecture, organizations can run multiple distinct instances of Microsoft Dynamics CRM on a single server.

Because Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 supports multiple instances of the product installed on the same physical hardware, multiple customers or business organizations can have their own distinct Microsoft Dynamics CRM implementation. This not only makes it easier to manage those customers, it makes better use of server hardware and improves overall operations costs.

 

Improved availability, performance, and scalability

 

Businesses want their CRM data accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 includes significant enhancements to availability, performance, and scalability to ensure that your CRM data is available when it's needed, without interruption.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 supports clustering for solution components, including Microsoft Exchange Server, CRM Web Services, and load balancing. The e-mail router has received several performance and scalability enhancements, including parallel processing of inboxes and better support for enterprise deployment scenarios. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 also has better performance in Wide Area Network (WAN) environments, transferring only the data that needs to be transferred over slow connections. With support for SQL Server mirroring, an additional copy of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM database is maintained, so that in case of database failure, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM system can switch databases automatically and with minimal disruption.

 


Discover ten compelling reasons to use Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is an affordable technology solution that helps automate and streamline your organization's CRM strategy. It provides members across your organization with access to up-to-date information and new ways to respond quickly.

Here are ten top reasons why your CRM should be Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

  1. Turns Microsoft Office Outlook into the one place where you can manage both customer data and communications.
    Microsoft Outlook messaging and collaboration client is already the world's leading tool for customer communications. Microsoft Dynamics CRM extends the reach of Microsoft Outlook by turning it into a tool to manage customer information. It puts lead information, marketing pitches, and sales call information into one central location for your sales and marketing staff.
     

  2. Works tightly with Microsoft Office Excel so businesses can make decisions on the fly.
    Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software is a powerful tool for turning data into information that can be analyzed and shared. Microsoft Dynamics CRM features an always-on connection to Excel that enables you to quickly turn customer information into dynamic snapshots or PivotChart dynamic views. These views can help you understand in seconds how a sales increase or company expansion can benefit the business.
     

  3. Improves operational efficiency through the standardization and streamlining of processes.
    The Microsoft Dynamics CRM adaptive workflow engine enables a business to automate business processes in ways that employees can use each day. Microsoft Dynamics CRM can relieve your staff of mundane but vital work. It can automate time-consuming repetitive tasks, warn staff of open customer issues, and automatically send important e-mail messages to customers and partners. So customer requests and orders don't fall through the cracks.
     

  4. Works the way your business works with point-and-click system customization.
    Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be tailored to work the way your business already works. Microsoft Dynamics CRM forms, relationship links, and customer views can be designed and modified without complicated programming.
     

  5. Gives the right information to the right people.
    Certain employees need certain information. With Microsoft Dynamics CRM, system administrators have the tools to make sure the right information is delivered to the right people-whether they are using Outlook or the Web.
     

  6. Targets your marketing campaigns so you're always in touch with the right customers.
    Today, it's more important than ever that customers know about special offers and new services a business offers. Microsoft Dynamics CRM offers a marketing automation module that simplifies the following tasks: Building customer and lead lists, developing marketing campaigns targeted at specific customers, measuring the results of these campaigns, and developing follow-up marketing efforts.
     

  7. Simplifies service scheduling to keep customers satisfied.
    One of the most challenging aspects of delivering great customer service is ensuring you never let customers down by missing a service call or appointment. Microsoft Dynamics CRM provides a centralized, all-in-one view of all customer service requests and service professional calendars. Dispatchers can quickly and easily match the right service personnel to a particular customer or type of service call.
     

  8. Integrates with your existing systems to help break down information silos. Microsoft Dynamics CRM harnesses the power of Web services through the Microsoft .NET Framework. This latest generation of Microsoft technology enables businesses to connect isolated, legacy business systems and applications.
     

  9. Enhances offline communications so everyone can be productive regardless of location.
    Microsoft Dynamics CRM is designed so your staff can be productive both in the office and on the road-even if they aren't connected to a network. Information can be filtered so that people receive only the information they need such as meeting updates and sales figures.
     

  10. Builds on the power of SQL Server Reporting Services to create insightful business reports.
    The SQL Server Reporting Services engine is a powerful analytical tool for business. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM embedded reporting engine integrates smoothly with Microsoft SQL Server to generate compelling data reports for business decision makers.