The MSDW Podcast, May 6, 2016: Choosing Project Services - Dynamics CRM vs. Dynamics AX (and Microsoft Project)

Microsoft is preparing to release its Dynamics CRM Project Service solution. But Dynamics AX also offers a solution for the services industry. And of course, there is Microsoft Project Online.

These options are not the same, says our guest Andy Yeomans, US Director of Business Development for SAGlobal, who recently wrote two articles on this subject for MSDynamicsWorld. Microsoft didn't just cut-and-paste Dynamics AX capabilities into Dynamics CRM, and understanding the differences is key. 

Which makes sense for you depends upon three questions (which Andy answers in the podcast):

• Who is the buyer or executive sponsor, within the organization? Hint: Finance favors Dynamics AX, sales and marketing favors Dynamics CRM.
• What is the organization's overall business application strategy? To consolidate or find a best-of-breed solution?
• What functionality would support the business processes in scope? Start by defining your processes, then, the choice will be clear.

You will learn about:

• Microsoft Project. When is/isn't Microsoft's classic application good enough? Do you need it in addition to Dynamics CRM or Dynamics AX services capability?
• Which industries favor the Dynamics CRM or Dynamics AX solutions. One suits white-collar professional services, the other favors manufacturing.
• What to expect from Dynamics CRM Project Services. You can expect Microsoft's cloud first/mobile first and Internet of Things initiatives to shape development of this product.

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