Microsoft Dynamics CRM: The Lowdown on the New API

Since Satya Nadella took over the reins at Microsoft, the company has continued to surprise and delight customers by supporting a variety of operating systems and platforms, eschewing the narrow focus of the past. Not only has Microsoft released an impressive array of software for various platforms, but they are also providing the tools for developers to do the same.

One critical area where they are doing this is with their Dynamics line of ERP and CRM business software. With one of the most recent updates, Microsoft has released a new Web API preview for Dynamics CRM. According to Microsoft, "this new Web API is available as a preview feature to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online organizations that use Dynamics CRM Online 2015 Update 1." The goal of the new API is to "make it easier to create applications across a wide variety of platforms, devices, and programming languages."

The Scope and Benefits of the New API

The goal of the new API is to replace the old "Organization Service (2011 SOAP endpoint) and Organization Data Service (OData v2 REST endpoint)" APIs currently in use. The new API "implements the OData (Open Data Protocol) v4. OData is an OASIS standard for building and consuming RESTful APIs over rich data sources."  This will provide the basis for long-term growth and development, and allow Microsoft and developers to create more full-featured, sophisticated applications on top of Dynamics CRM.

An even more significant benefit of the new API is the integration options it will provide. While the old API served its purpose, the ever-evolving nature of the market necessitates a change. Increasingly, in a world where Microsoft ...