Microsoft Dynamics CRM's elevated profile broadens the conversation at upcoming partner event

The elevated profile that Microsoft gave to Dynamics CRM at WPC 2014 in July was undoubtedly good news for the product and its partner channel, and this season's conference organizers are hoping the change will give their events a similar boost.

One of those upcoming events is eXtremeCRM 2014, which runs from October 5 to 8 in Las Vegas and is focused on the interests and need of Dynamics CRM partners. (MSDynamicsWorld.com will be covering eXtremeCRM and other in-person events this fall).

eXtremeCRM attendees - professionals who are in the business of selling, customizing, and deploying Dynamics CRM-based solutions - will be looking at the growth of the product as both an opportunity and a challenge, organizers believe. With the latest release guidance for Q4 2014, Dynamics CRM continues its evolution from a product toward an integrated product line. And Microsoft has transitioned from (relatively) simple releases to broader release waves across online and on-premise software. Factor in the push to do more Microsoft technology cross-selling and the evolving competitive landscape, and partners have more to deal with about than ever before.

"Partners were excited about what they heard [at WPC 2014]," says eXtreme's Christy Spokely. "I don't think they've ever seen what Microsoft gave them at the event. Partners also want to see where new opportunities lie. For example, should they be building new practices?  Now they're digesting that, figuring out how to invest in the right things."

With the maturing product line, eXtremeCRM attendees should expect more sessions on a broader range of product topics. Talk of a "sales productivity suite" from Microsoft ...