At Microsoft Dynamics Fall Analyst Event, New Insight on CRM Competitiveness, Partner Opportunities, Windows Phone 7

Last week, Microsoft invited enterprise software analysts to Redmond for two days of meetings regarding the Microsoft Dynamics product line. Much of the material discussed during the event was covered under an NDA, but reports from the event indicated a continued eye toward the pricing and competitiveness of Dynamics CRM 2011, the evolution and importance of the partner community, and progress in bringing mobile solutions for ERP and CRM into the picture with Windows Phone 7.

Microsoft representatives described the event as "a recap of Convergence Europe news for analysts in the US", but for those of you who were not at either one (or at Decisions Fall 2010, where Microsoft's Mike Ehrenberg, Guy Weismantel, and Bill Patterson all spoke on their vision for the future of Dynamics), there are several issues that analysts seem to take notice of. First, CRM is getting the lion's share of attention these days. Second, Microsoft is getting increasingly competitive with their "promotional" pricing schemes. Third, by pricing CRM low, Microsoft intends to drive sales that will push more business to their partners who will drive innovation in verticals and last-mile solutions. And fourth, the promotional pricing, in addition to the recently announced and revamped partner program, could have serious implications for partners and ISVs in 2011 and beyond.

Frank Scavo from Strativa Consulting reported from the event on his blog that Dynamics CRM was getting a lot of attention. Scavo wrote: "Although Microsoft Dynamics ERP products (AX, NAV, GP, SL) were presented, the ...