Dynamics CRM 2011 in the New Year Introduces a New Cloud Debate

The end of the year nears and usually this is a time to look back. But let us take a look forward to 2011 and the excitement of the release of new version of Dynamics CRM.

The new year is also an opportunity for new thinking about solutions because the focus on cloud is getting stronger and clearer. I think it is safe to assume that Microsoft has invested a lot into their cloud strategy and solution.  This focus has to be taken seriously since it will affect both customers and suppliers.

Freedom of choice

In many cases, a discussion of online, on-premise or hybrid implementation leads to overheated, divisive conversations. We've all had these discussions about cost, reliability, availability etc.  There are always seems to be two camps - one for and the other against online solutions.

The big question is whether this perpetual argument is going to change with the introduction of CRM 2011. The answers from a technology point of view are simple. The code base of the online version is exactly the same as the on-premise version, so what you design and build can be deployed in both versions.

For CRM Online, the hosting party is Microsoft and uptime of almost 100% is guaranteed.  Even scalability can be arranged quickly.  As a customer you only need a reliable internet connection with good speed. The price is not too bad either and you only pay for what you use, so no high investments in hardware, licenses, etc.

For the on-premise we still need to invest in hardware and software licenses, but the servers will be your own and your data will be on your servers.  This last point is probably ...