Microsoft Expands Dynamics CRM 2011 Options

Moving beyond its own cloud, Microsoft announced it’s now making versions of its Dynamics CRM 2011 Online package available for customers to run on premise or via third-party managed service provider.

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) released Dynamics CRM 2011 Online in mid-January, after it was available in beta test form since early September.

There are several new features in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) package. For one, Dynamics CRM 2011 adds a new user interface with the look and feel of Microsoft’s Outlook e-mail client. The company said the common and popular Outlook UI will lower training and support expenses, as well as put users more at ease using the CRM applications.

Microsoft’s also touting improved integration with its Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), including Exchange, SharePoint, and Office. In addition, the update includes integration with Microsoft’s Azure cloud application platform.

The earlier release of the online edition is hosted in Microsoft’s own data centers. It’s available in 41 languages and 40 markets globally.

The multi-pronged delivery methods for Dynamics CRM may also help give Microsoft a leg up in its ongoing competition with Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM).

eCRM Guide has full details of the new release including some interesting benchmark results released by Microsoft.

Read the full story at eCRM Guide:
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Ready for On-premise or Hosting