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Don’t Underestimate the Impact of Implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011

by Sandor Schellenberg
Owner and Founder, friendlyITsolutions, Irelate Netherlands

If you compare Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 with older versions of the product, you have undoubtedly noticed progress and growth.  And even with the changes, a basic implementation can still be done with some ‘simple' clicks, and you can modify screens, behavior and other configuration points to meet your basic requirements without too much trouble.

But the real strength of the Dynamics CRM 2011 - its flexibility and quick starting point - can also cause implementation problems if customers and their partners do not plan ahead or the typical challenges on both the technical and organizational sides.

The growth of ‘xRM' solutions, which make better use of the platform's ability to extend to meet your needs, represents an evolution for Dynamics CRM that has made it possible to build richer, more relevant applications.  But as I describe below, it also means you have to take into account that your team will need to invest in a variety of new skills from technical to IT administration to project management in order to prepare for the changes the software will bring.

End-user

Dynamics CRM 2011 offers end users more and more functi onality like improved business intelligence capabilities that let users create their own reports, charts and custom excel spreadsheets. Users will also enjoy better integration with Outlook and SharePoint.

But with more capabilities come more responsibilities for the user. For example,the latest version makes document management easier but it also requires users to adapt to new ways of handling of their Word documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Development

Developers need to get used to new requirements and new techniques, some good and some bad. The new version can give them the opportunity to (...

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About Sandor Schellenberg

Sandor Schellenberg is the owner and founder of friendlyITsolutions, which mainly focuses on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and related software in the Microsoft stack. He is a Senior Microsoft Dynamics CRM Consultant/Solution Architect and is specialized in data migration & integration. In autumn 2009 his work was recognised and rewarded with a invitation to Scribe Software MVP Program. 

His roots in Microsoft-based Internet technologies go back more than twelve years, and since 2005 he has specialized in Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Starting with his first guest post on the blog of Menno te Koppele, he decided to start his own blog, Friendly Microsoft CRM Monster, a blog with a wink. The blog is widely read in the Dynamics CRM community and focused mainly on Microsoft Dynamics CRM technical and integration/migration topics.