Microsoft Dynamics CRM Comparison

Implementing a CRM solution is no mean feat, and of course many organisations spend lots of time (quite rightly!) evaluating different solutions, comparing functionality, costs (and  5 year projected costs)…  Hopefully this blog will help you consider Microsoft Dynamics CRM and weigh it up against the competition.

 This Microsoft Dynamics CRM Comparison gives key usps for Microsoft CRM against its rivals. 

It’s a fact that Microsoft provides a world-class CRM solution that works with other Microsoft products and it is priced reasonably.  Forrester Research Inc. recognized Microsoft Dynamics CRM as a leader in its, “Forrester Wave Report; CRM Suites for Large organisations Q2 2010.” © Note 1

It is important to map your processes against the right CRM solution.  This will include the functionality, development, scalability and support.  User experience must be considered.  We recommend an action team of CRM leaders with each department, to ensure cohesion. 

Here are some of the items that you may consider when reviewing Microsoft Dynamics CRM against the competition:

Price

Microsoft CRM licenses are available as

On premise (on a server of your choice)

Hosted – in the cloud with a SPLA reseller such as Caltech

Online – directly from Microsoft or working with Online specialists such as Caltech CRM

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is offered at one price for all functionality.   Some competitors start with an entry offering and build up to an enterprise software solution which raises in capability and costs.

Where configuration (changes) or development is needed there is an additional cost – Caltech also offer vertical solutions based on Microsoft  Dynamics CRM does not have any hidden charges and all functionality is included.

SLA’s – Service Level Agreements

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online offers a 99.9% uptime SLA.

Caltech’s hosted solution also has a 99.9% uptime SLA.

Some competitors in the cloud space do not give any SLA’s at all. 

Storage

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and Caltech provides 5GB of storage with their offerings. 

Microsoft CRM also integrates with Sharepoint, which is a smart document management solution, enhances your CRM product and will help keep your storage levels down. 

Some competitors will offer a stand alone document management solution.  Sharepoint can be fully integrated with Microsoft CRM and Outlook and has great functionality which is far reaching.

Offline productivity

Microsoft CRM can access offline data through Microsoft Outlook.

Adoptability

Users that are familiar with Microsoft Outlook will intuitively know how to use Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Flexibility

Microsoft CRM is easily moulded and tailored to your needs.  Working with specialists and Microsoft CRM partners, such as Caltech, means you tap into our knowledge and expertise.

To find out more call us on 01924 507 280

Or email George@caltech.co.uk

 References:

Note 1 : The Forrester Wave is copyrighted by Forrester Research Inc.  Forrester does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the Forrester Wave.  Information is based on best available resources.  For more information click here. 

What are the Top Features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011

Following the success of Microsoft Dynamics CRM I have taken a look to find out more about what are the top 10 features  – and found a great video by Microsoft that give the top 10 features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 by 10 product developers from Microsoft in less than 10 mins…

Here is my summary:

1)            Security enhancements – history of changes and role based allowances.

2)            Solutions that are able to be packaged

3)            Dashboards – obviously not unique to Microsoft CRM but a great resource available in version 20111

4)            Enhancements to user interface – ribbon bar and multiple forms per entity

5)            Market Place which shows apps availability and feedback

6)            Web resources – ability to embed Silverlight and Javascript

7)            Globalisation – 41 languages

8)            Outlook integration

9)            Share point integration for document management

10)          Develop tools including Visual Studio

Why not watch it for yourself?!

So hopefully that will answer what are the top features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011!

Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Why Choose Caltech IT Ltd

Implementing CRM can be a headache, but the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM are not to be underestimated.  Understanding what the product can do for your organisation…  What is the best, most efficient, worthwhile and most cost effective way of doing what you need?  Is it going to grow with your business and be futuristic?

And then there is making it work!  Getting ‘end users’ on board.  Furthermore, will it give the results that you initially set out to achieve?

In May 2011 Forrester carried out an in depth review of 9 organisations that installed Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.  They specifically analysed productivity gains of sales and service, as well as marketing return on investment.  Forrester came to the conclusion that an average payback period of CRM was 4 months!  That’s fantastic right?

Yes it is!

However, I would argue the only way to achieve such gain in a 4 month period would be under the proviso, that, you need to be clear about what you want to achieve from CRM at the outset.  What will it do for your users and organisation?  This needs to be visionary.  It needs to be quantifiable.

The fundamental needs of profit making organisations remain fairly unchanged.  To make more money, win more leads, nurture clients and prospects, reduce marketing costs, selling costs and service costs.

This is where Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 comes into play.  Perfectly designed to manage all of these key challenges and goals.

Yet with this in mind, so many organisations may be unclear about what CRM will give them.  Working with Caltech IT Limited (Caltech CRM), we ensure these goals are clear and understood from the outset of your project. 

We get under your skin to understand what you are trying to achieve, and at the start of our comprehensive documentation, we review if your requirements of the system will deliver the outcomes and return on investment you desire.

Working with Caltech also means you reduce your risk of Microsoft CRM working for you; and the implementation will go smoothly.

We follow Microsoft SureStep.  Our Prince 2 qualified project manager ensures that surestep procedures are employed to minimize problems during your CRM implementation.

By following key steps we understand your requirements comprehensively.  We do a lot of the implementation work upfront – long before the deadline go live date looms.  We do this to manage your expectations, reduce risk and ensure it works for you, from day 1.

Caltech IT Ltd has a team of professional people; all we do is CRM, every day of the working week.  With Microsoft CRM configurators, developers and Microsoft Certified Professionals, Caltech specialises in working and shaping the product to work well for you.

Caltech are Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Silver Partners which showcases specific Microsoft Dynamics CRM qualifications, skill and customer references.

Caltech CRM is one of only 5 UK Microsoft Cloud Accelerator Partners in the UK.  We also offer Microsoft CRM on our own hosted secure platform.

Caltech are Microsoft CRM specialists.  Based in Yorkshire, we work UK wide implementing quality CRM solutions that will save you wasted time, money and effort.

We are hosting a morning of Microsoft CRM on 12^th June 2012.  Register to join us and find out how Microsoft CRM can revolutionise your business, and achieve return on investment results that are meaningful for your business!

www.caltech.co.uk

George@caltech.co.uk

01924 507 280

References : The Forrester Report : The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 May 2011

A Morning of Microsoft Dynamics CRM West Yorkshire June 2012

Help – I need CRM!

I need to find out more about CRM?!

Ive heard CRM can improve targeting and help communications…

Ultimately, what can Microsoft Dynamics CRM do for me.

To find out how Microsoft Dynamics CRM can make you more profitable and successful, and to answer all these questions, register to join us on 12th June 2012.

Phil Callaghan, managing director of Caltech IT Limited will be demonstrating the power of Microsoft CRM.

Are You New to CRM?

This event will help you gather your requirements and show you how to implement CRM to succeed!

If You Already Have CRM?

This session will demonstrate how to get more from your investment, learn about new improvements to the product and achieve more!

Agenda:

• 10.00 hours welcome
• 10.15 hours Microsoft CRM capabilities showcasing the product and tips to propel your organisation with Microsoft CRM
• 11.15 hours What’s new in Microsoft CRM?
• 11.25 hours  Email Marketing joining up the dots
• 11.45 hours Q&A

Places are limited, to register click here :

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Review – what’s new?!

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Update

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, released to the market at the beginning of 2011, it has great new functionality building on the success of Microsoft CRM version 4.  In January 2011 there was a lot of reviews about how the new release was more comprehensive, easier to use and more flexible.  Now in May 2012, Caltech CRM would like to update these review, and share comments of users, prospects and leads.

Here is a short but useful Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Review

There was massive interest in Microsoft CRM during 2011; and this has not ebbed.  In fact, Microsoft CRM is as popular as ever.  With the new strapline, “The Power of Productivity,” Microsoft CRM 2011 continues to go from strength to strength.  There are more than 1.7 million users, with 27,000 customers, in over 80 countries.

At the release of Microsoft CRM 2011, Microsoft included 500 functional improvements from MS CRM 4.  Many of the changes originated from customer and partner feedback.  And 18 months on, they have been a huge success for the product.

Major feature changes that have made the difference include:

• The user interface; which included a ribbon effect and removal of the old tabbed views.  The ribbon effect is the toolbar – which you may find in Word or Excel, for example.
• Reporting and graphs are now included in “Dashboards.”  Users can employ the pre-built reports or they can easily create their own custom reports.
• Marketing lists can now be dynamic. This is significant, as before in Version 4, a list was created but did not self-update.  Using dynamic lists has saved users so much time as they don’t have to save advanced finds – but can keep using the same, relevant, targeted list over and over; easily.
• Role based user experience – This means a view can be specified depending on the users role; meaning they only see what is meaningful for them, and thus improves user adoption; a fundamental factor of any CRM system.
• Another favourite addition has been custom activities.  Users are able to create their own activity types.
• SharePoint integration is another favourite feature of MS CRM 2011. SharePoint is used to manage documents; and documents can be accessed from SharePoint from any ‘entity’ (folder) in the system.
• Microsoft CRM 2011 is available in over 40 languages!
• It’s all Outlook.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 took Outlook integration to the next level, with a much tighter integration.  Some of our customers have said they ‘didn’t realise they were in CRM’ as it’s so like Outlook.  This means users will want to use it and see it as a fundamental part of their work.  If it’s not in CRM- it didn’t happen!
• Microsoft Dynamics 2011 can be set to automatically ‘find’ duplicated records, to ensure the data is as clean as possible.
• New functionality which will be released this spring (2012) includes mobility for any device, as well as more social media compatibility.

Why do developers love Microsoft CRM 2011?

I am told by the developers here at Caltech, one reason is due to Fetch XML (which they can use to write reports!), and Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps us successfully manage very complex business process management.

So who is Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 for?

All the time I’m speaking to people in businesses and organisations of all sizes, and from many industries.  We have small business using Microsoft CRM – sometimes one user.  Other small business may feel it’s not for them – as there is ‘too much functionality.’  However, that’s one of the great things about MS CRM.  It can be built up to do more, or ‘parts’ can be turned off…  but it allows growth, flexibility and choice.  Another key benefit is, its future proof.  Do it once and do it well.

Large organisations realise the power of Microsoft CRM- workflows, customisations, one central solution…  Some users are profit making, tracking sales, business and leads – where others use Microsoft CRM in an extended (XRM) way such as social housing and charities. 

Whatever your business, MS CRM is certainly a powerful enabler which continues to get stronger, bigger and better.

www.caltech.co.uk

Telephone : 01924 507 280

email George@caltech.co.uk

TFM&A (Technology For Marketing and Advertising) 30 May 2012 Manchester

TFM&A (Technology for Marketing and Advertising) Manchester.  The leading event for Marketing and Media in the North, is taking place on 30th May 2012 at Manchester Central.

Come and visit stand CEN145 – Caltech CRM – where our Microsoft CRM specialists will be offering free advice to improve your sales and marketing efforts.

TFM&A was launched in Manchester in 2011 following many successful (and continuing) years in London, and free registration is now open. 

The event offers keynote speakers and two seminar theatres.

Microsoft are also speaking at the event about Microsoft CRM at 12.15.

Learn how Microsoft CRM can be a powerful business enabler and discover more about CRM and its capabilities to propel your business.

With over 60 exhibitors and nearly 1500 visitors TFM&A will be a great day for networking, getting up to date with technology and learning about whats new!  Manchester Central is a great location within walking distance of both Manchester Picadilly and Manchester Victoria train stations. 

Register for Free!

Microsoft CRM 2012 – 12th June 2012 Seminar

Is there a place for CRM in your organisation?

What are many to many relationships?

How can CRM improve my communications?

How can CRM make me more profitable?

What can CRM do for me?

To answer all these questions and find out more why not join us on 12th June 2012 where Phil Callaghan, managing director of Caltech IT Limited, Microsoft CRM specialists, will be demonstrating the power of CRM.

New to CRM?

This event will help you gather your requirements and show you how to implement CRM to succeed!

Already have CRM?

This session will demonstrate how to get more from your investment, learn about new improvements to the product and achieve more!

Agenda:

• 10.00 hours welcome
• 10.15 hours Microsoft CRM capabilities showcasing the product and tips to propel your organisation with Microsoft CRM
• 11.15 hours What’s new in Microsoft CRM?
• 11.25 hours  Email Marketing joining up the dots
• 11.45 hours Q&A

to register click here :

Microsoft CRM Discovery Webinar – 15th March at 3.30pm

Caltech IT Limited a leading provider of one of the most effective and powerful CRM solutions, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, is inviting you to attend its Microsoft Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) web based demonstration on 15th March 2012 at 3.30pm.

The web session will give a whistlestop tour to inform you about implementing and using CRM. 

Caltech is a Microsoft CRM Silver CRM accredited partner.

This webinar will help you get the most from your Microsoft CRM trial or instance and give you the opportunity to ask our expert for advice or tips and tricks. 

This meeting will happen over Go to Meeting on 15th March at 3.30pm.

To obtain the go to meeting joining details please email George@caltech.co.uk with subject title – send me details for 15th March webinar please!

or call us on 01924 507 280

Caltech CRM Announces Weekly Web Seminars with Microsoft CRM

Caltech CRM a leading provider of Microsoft CRM, is inviting business professionals to attend its Microsoft Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) weekly web based events.

These free to attend web seminars will educate and inform delegates about implementing and using CRM, as well as the operational benefits.  The seminars also will cover all aspects of CRM, the Cloud and CRM, xRM concept (Anything Relationship Management) and specific vertical focus such as Housing Associations and CRM, Charities and CRM and so on. 

There will be a short topic covered every week giving you hints and tips and offering expert advice from one of the UK’s leading CRM organisations, Caltech IT Ltd (Caltech CRM).

As a Microsoft CRM Silver CRM accredited partner, Caltech CRM is well placed to offer such expert and specialised advice.  Caltech CRM’s web seminars will showcase Microsoft CRM, and give delegates valuable advice and information. 

Phil Callaghan managing director of Batley based Caltech CRM says, “We come across lots of organisations who want to know more about CRM.  They may have CRM and just not be getting the best from the system, or the system may not be well aligned to their processes.  That’s why we are doing these weekly webinars.  We want to know how organisations are getting on with CRM, how they can progress their systems to love them and ensure they are working correctly.”   

Callaghan continues, “These sessions are really to ensure that users or potential users of CRM get the information they need in an impartial way.  The sessions will evolve to be user lead.  So if users have any questions to ask why not let us know in advance and we can ensure we do a session designated to your specific query!”

The Microsoft CRM seminars will take place every Wednesday during 2012 at 10am.

These web seminars will help businesses improve sales and marketing as well as gaining efficiencies through workflows and online management reporting.  The first seminar is on Wednesday 18^th January at 10am, and will demonstrate how to create a simple workflow. 

For further information or to register for any of our weekly seminars, please contact Catherine Carlyle at Caltech CRM on 01924 507 280 or email George@caltech.co.uk.

All of these weekly meetings will take place over Go to Meeting.  If you require a one to one demonstration of Microsoft CRM please email George@caltech.co.uk, and we will book one of our CRM analysers to come over to see you.

CRM – Customer Relationship Management – Just Ask Sessions

Every week – without fail – Caltech CRM is running Just Ask sessions… 

Wednesday 18th January at 10am is our first session. 

Each session will run at 10am every Wednesday as a web meeting.

To register your interest email george@caltech.co.uk 

It doesn’t matter what you want to ask – no question is a silly question!…

Furthermore, if you would like to cover a specific topic – just ask us – by emailing george@caltech.co.uk