The Dynamics CRM 2016 Beta Nears, And Microsoft Is Focused on Improvements in Six Key Areas

Microsoft corporate vice president Bob Stutz is in India with the Dynamics CRM team as they prepare the CRM 2016 beta release, which left keynote duties at CRMUG Summit 2015 in Reno, Nevada to Microsoft general manager Bill Patterson.

Patterson, who has been leading the Parature team since the company's acquisition in 2014, used the session to describe Microsoft's vision for the next stage of CRM's evolution. Along with highlighting some of the recent acquisitions like FantasySalesTeam and advances in older pickups like Social Engagement, Patterson offered a first look at a new CRM feature - a series of smaller and more focused mobile apps intended to be used for specific roles and tasks.

"Our goal has always been about empowerment, about helping your organization get the most out its investments in CRM," said Patterson, noting that in today's environment, Microsoft wants to provide a solution that allows organizations to focus on process, decisions, and outcomes.

"The focus on the CRM team is no longer about delivering better automation, or activity management. It's about how to help you become more predictive, personal, and proactive in dealing with needs of your customers," he said.

Task-Based Mobile Experiences

While few CRMUG Summit attendees indicated that they currently use the Dynamics CRM mobile apps (others indicated they turn to custom mobile solutions), Microsoft believes that the next round of mobile apps for Dynamics CRM could drive better adoption. Coming to CRM 2016 as a preview feature, a series of mobile interfaces will be available that focus on reducing data entry and minimizing the number of operations on a mobile device. For example, a process that used to require five pieces of data and four other operations on the device might now require just three touches in ...