Microsoft ecosystem in action: ISV argues for full-featured mobility with Dynamics CRM 2013

ISVs in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem walk a fine line, investing in solutions that extend core ERP or CRM strategically, while working against market forces, ambivalent partners, and the specter of Microsoft's evolving roadmap.  With every product update by Microsoft, ISVs need to reevaluate their positioning. 

But adapting to Microsoft's plans is an expected part of the game for ISVs, and in the last year we've seen several vendors react to Microsoft's plans. In the warehouse and transportation management spaces for Dynamics AX, we've learned that more than one ISVs has considered leaving the Dynamics ERP space altogether following the acquisition of Blue Horshoe's solution IP. And the introduction of SmartList Designer for Dynamics GP prompted eOne Solutions to mount an aggressive defense of SmartList Builder.

With the release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 and its "CRM Anywhere" updates, mobile solution providers now face a similar challenge, one they have been expecting for quite some time - the need to differentiate themselves in comparison to Microsoft's own product roadmap.

One veteran mobile provider, Resco, has started making its case for why the need for third party mobile is as great as ever, and it taken a sensible step, posting a respectful but forceful point by point takedown of certain claims about just how far you can go with Microsoft's free option.

The post, written by Resco's Zuzana Farkasova, first takes on Microsoft's suggestion that the free apps handle offline capabilities.

"The articles, press releases, discussions... they all talked about Microsoft finally coming up with an offline capability. ...