Microsoft Dynamics CRM Roadmap Reset: Upcoming Releases Will Bring Cross-Browser Compatibility, HTML5, Mobile Apps

Partners, vendors and users have been clamoring for it, and now Microsoft is giving them what they want: Microsoft Dynamics CRM browser compatibility, as well as an HTML5 interface and mobile apps are on their way.

After some delays, Microsoft will be launching a cross-browser compatible version of Dynamics CRM by the year's end in what is now know as the "Polaris" release.  It will be followed by the "Orion" release in the second quarter of 2013. The announcement was made Tuesday (October 2) at eXtremeCRM 2012 in Las Vegas.

An updated statement of direction will also be made available next week, officials said. The news came during the Dynamics CRM product management team's roadmap session today.

"One important highlight of the [Polaris] release is the cross-browser (feature)," said Dynamics CRM product manager Craig Dewar. "We will unveil cross-browser in an on-premise release because there has been such as demand for it, in December, when the Polaris release comes out."

Dewar also explained that Microsoft will offer an update roll-up, UR12, for existing customers soon after the initial release of Polaris.

Microsoft had delayed a planned July announcement on a new cross-browser compatible release of Dynamics CRM due at least in part, they said at the time, to issues hitting the necessary level of quality across all the planned browsers. Currently, Dynamics CRM software is supported on Internet Explorer only.

Just in time for the holidays, Dynamics CRM users will find it easier to Skype with loved ones, as well as clients and business contacts. The new "click to Skype" feature will be introduced in the Polaris release, according to Dewar. ...