Beyond Convergence: Keeping Microsoft Dynamics partners in the loop

Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) is resetting elements of its Dynamics ERP and CRM product management and marketing to align with the company's larger goals in the commercial space. While many of those changes will likely become visible in smaller chunks over time, Microsoft partners and customers who believe in Microsoft's vision will be wise to continue to pay attention and absorb the updates as they happen.

Two major products, Power BI and Microsoft Dynamics CRM, offer examples of how Microsoft and its partners have already started looking at altering their approach.

Partners and the Power BI opportunity

The new version of Power BI that is now globally available as a preview has some key advantages to many organizations' current piecemeal BI and reporting mechanics.

James Phillips, Microsoft's corporate vice president leading the Power BI effort, said in an interview that making Power BI both adoptable and directly relevant to the business of Dynamics ERP and CRM partners will be important to its success:

"I have had a number of partners and implementers contacted me on LinkedIn. They wanted to figure out how to incorporate Power BI into their practice. There's a revenue stream there perhaps and a solution for their customers: the ability to get value out of the data. There is a natural desire for the integrator space to expand [on the software with] service offerings."

Power BI adoption will depend on Microsoft and its partners developing a story that goes much ...