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Why the Salesforce deal doesn’t end Microsoft Dynamics CRM competitiveness

by Jason Carter
Founder, PartnerCompete,

This article is adapted from a post on PartnerCompete.com.

OK, the initial announcement was a bit surprising. Salesforce.com? Didn't Benioff at one time refer to Microsoft as the evil empire and a patent troll? Let's talk about how this partnership isn't as bad as it may sound. And let's think about how it could even create new opportunities for Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Analyst Ray Wang has tweeted that he's had conversations with 35 Dynamics partners since the announcement and the channel is upset. He and other analysts are apparently looking for some fireworks at WPC in a few weeks, and they say that the announcement is stalling some Q4 sales. We understand a little surprise, but that's it. This is in no way an indictment of the Dynamics CRM business and the massive success it will continue to be. In reality, Dynamics CRM doesn't seem to have been a consideration in the arrangement, for better or worse.

Let's look at a few areas of collaboration, as outlined in the original announcement:

Salesforce customers can access their solution from  Windows devices

  • Translation: Microsoft wants existing Salesforce.com customers to use Windows phones rather than just Apple and Android

Access, share, edit and collaborate on Office content from within Salesforce and on Salesforce1 using Office Mobile, Office for iPad and Office 365.

  • Translation: Microsoft would prefer that ...

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About Jason Carter

Jason Carter has been providing market and competitive intelligence to Partners for over a decade. He was a member of Microsoft's internal Microsoft Business Solutions Compete team, and now serves as the founder of PartnerCompete LLC. As administrator and frequent content contributor on PartnerCompete.com, Jason manages this secure, invitation-only community in which select Microsoft Dynamics-focused Partners share competitive and industry information and collaborate on tough sales. Jason has a passion for beating the competition.

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