Microsoft launches on-premise and hosted Dynamics CRM 2011

Microsoft has breathed new life into its Dynamics CRM range with the release of an on-premise and partner-hosted version.

The release comes just one month after the company launched Dynamics CRM as an on-demand service in an bid to tempt potential customers away from hosted CRM software from Salesforce.

Microsoft said that Dynamics CRM 2011 complements the currently available version which was launched globally in January.

This latest release, which can be accessed immediately by customers with live Microsoft Software Assurance agreements, should improve the way companies engage with customers and work internally.

"The need to build deeper and more profitable relationships on a global scale remains a top priority for chief information officers," said Mark Barrett, senior vice president for CRM at Avanade.

Barrett explained that Dynamics CRM 2011 allows Avanade to deliver comprehensive CRM capabilities to clients through on-premise and software-as-a-service deployments.

"Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 provides a platform for us to help companies strengthen customer and partner relationships, increase productivity and collaborate across the organisation," he said.

Microsoft is hoping to offer a "familiar experience" when using Dynamics CRM, given that the software can be accessed through a native Outlook client via a browser or mobile device.

The firm added that the design and personalisation features let end users tailor the system to their own specific needs.

ALso featured are guided process dialogs, inline business intelligence for performance and goal management, and real-time dashboards, designed to provide sales and marketing teams with up-to-date information.

Although it may seem unusual for Microsoft to release an on-premise version of Dynamics CRM after the cloud release, the company has been keen to stake a claim on hosted cloud systems for some time.

"This is the first time that we have made a release in the cloud before we have done so in the server version, and I think that really reflects the push by Microsoft into the cloud," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer on launching the earlier release.