Microsoft Delivers Dynamics CRM 2011 Beta

Microsoft this week rolled out the beta version of its Dynamics CRM 2011 offering for business customers looking for a cheap, efficient way to manage their sales, marketing and communications endeavors.

As eCRM Guide reports, the beta release includes new features such as a next-generation native Microsoft Outlook client, Microsoft Office contextual CRM Ribbon for Office navigation and user experience, RoleTailored design and user personalization.

The software giant is also promising “intelligent experiences through guided process dialogs, inline data visualizations, performance and goal management, and real-time dashboards.”

Cloud development, Windows Azure integration, contextual Microsoft SharePoint document repositories, teamwork and collaboration, and the Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace are among the cloud features Microsoft hopes will enable it to better compete with cloud CRM leader Salesforce.com.

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) today officially released the beta version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 and announced the worldwide rollout of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service from Microsoft’s global data centers.

The CRM solution, available for both cloud-based and on-premises deployments, is Microsoft’s latest attempt to gain ground on CRM market leaders Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM), Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) and SAP (NYSE: SAP). Of the top five CRM vendors, only Microsoft and Salesforce gained significant market share from 2007 to 2009, according to Gartner.

The beta for the new CRM Online service will be available in eight languages and 36 markets, and the final version will be released by the end of the year in 40 markets and 41 languages, according to Microsoft. Dynamics CRM 2011 for on-premises and partner-hosted deployments will be available in 40 markets in eight languages.

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Microsoft Releases Dynamics CRM 2011 Beta