Microsoft Introduces Suite of Resources to Help CRM Users Better Manage Performance

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) sounds wonderful, until you can’t mine the data you need immediately to figure out how to adjust that key marketing program. In an effort to allay potential frustrations in its fastest growing Business Solutions area, Microsoft has introduced a collection of source code and documentation to help executives make more effective use of Microsoft Dynamics CRM tools. Known as the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Analytics Foundation, the resources include a web site, datasheet, technical white paper, and business intelligence web site . Among the benefits Microsoft is promising users who use the Analytics Foundation resources:

• Improved ability to track and manage business performance with key performance indicators (KPIs) and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server dashboards;
• Improved ability to create reports quickly and make better decisions with Microsoft Office Excel and Report Builder;
• Ability for line-of-business users of MS CRM to identify new revenue and efficiency opportunities across sales, marketing, and service organizations.

Microsoft has ISVs talking up the Analytics Foundation. In a press release, Microsoft quotes Ryan Toenies, vice president of Infrastructure and CRM Solutions at ISV Inetium Inc.: “Microsoft CRM Analytics Foundation bridges the disconnect between information and action — and we think that will result in extraordinary business results for our Microsoft CRM customers. The tools available through Analytics Foundation enable our customers to leverage their existing Microsoft investment to provide critical business information to the right personnel at the right time.” The Analytics Foundation is available as a no-charge, shared-source download for customers and partners. It is currently available via CodePlex (http://www.codeplex.com)