Microsoft touts Dynamics CRM Online enhancements

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online offers a 99.9 per cent uptime service level agreement

Microsoft has used its Convergence 2009 event in New Orleans to announce updates to its CRM Online service, as well as details of its new Dynamic Business programme.

The firm claimed that the most recent update to its Dynamics CRM Online service delivers "an industry-leading uptime service level agreement". New features include usability enhancements designed to improve sales, or smooth the use of new technology such as cloud integration.

"We continue to be focused on delivering the best value in the industry, and that premise has guided our development efforts for the March 2009 Service Update," said Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

"By delivering best-in-class availability with new functionality that will help our customers and partners position themselves for long-term success, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online further solidifies its place as a leader in software-as-a-service customer relationship management."

Additions and improvements in the new Service Update include a financially backed 99.9 per cent uptime service level agreement, new internet lead capture tools designed to help boost sales, and security enhanced cloud integation tools.

Microsoft said that new quick start tools would increase adoption, and help users to familiarise themselves with the solutions and their features.

The company also announced details of its Dynamic Business 'vision', explaining how it could help firms maximise resources and get the most from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

"Our goal is to inspire customers to embrace change, to focus on how to anticipate and plan for change accordingly, and ultimately turn this economic crisis into an opportunity," said Kirill Tatarinov, vice president of Microsoft's Business Solutions division. "Successful businesses will be able to endure and prevail in an increasingly complex world."

To help firms save money, Microsoft is offering eight free software accelerators for its Dynamics CRM product, including marketing, sales, search and service solutions.

Another release, Unleash Your Potential, promises customers a personalised roadmap to analyse and maximise their ERP investments. Convergence 2009 attendees are offered savings of up to 75 per cent on the solutions.