New Flexibility: XRM Allows Microsoft Dynamics CRM to Be Widely Used for Non-Marketing Applications

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is increasingly becoming an application platform for decidedly non-marketing uses.

As such, it boasts Microsoft's best practices for database optimization, workflow, instant messaging, authentication, .NET customization, and higher levels of business data abstraction. 

xRM applications are line of business (LOB) applications that use Dynamics CRM's database, architecture, and business entities in combination with custom business application logic and user interfaces to rapidly develop new applications that may look nothing like a traditional CRM system.  xRM applications do not require a new database scheme, new architecture, security, or many of the other time consuming and complicated software challenges that would go into a fully custom application. 

In a recent interview, Microsoft officials Bill Patterson, director of worldwide product management; and Jamie Fiorda, group product manager, identified several examples of unusual applications of Dynamics CRM:

-- A New Zealand organization of guide dogs for blind individuals uses Dynamics CRM to match dogs with individuals in need. Dynamics CRM keeps track...