Microsoft will release free CRM Accelerators for Microsoft Dynamics CRM that allow the enterprise to pull data from social networks such as Twitter, centralize sales management across multiple channel partners through a common Website, and integrate Dynamics CRM with Web portals. Microsoft has been heavily promoting its Dynamics CRM throughout 2009 as an alternative to Salesforce.com and other cloud application companies.
Microsoft
plans on issuing free CRM Accelerators for
Microsoft Dynamics CRM that will help
businesses pull data from social networks, Web interaction channels and other
sources, as well as reduce overall costs. The accelerators will be released at
an unannounced date within the next few weeks.
"These new accelerators expand the capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics CRM
to address emerging business trends in social networking and drive efficiencies
in collaborative business processes," Brad Wilson, general manager of
Microsoft Dynamics CRM, said in a statement
accompanying the July 9 announcement.
The free CRM Accelerators include:
Social Networking Accelerator: Businesses can use this accelerator to
monitor and analyze customer conversation on social networking sites; the
initial rollout integrates the application with Twitter, but Microsoft says
that future releases will include other social networks.
Partner Relationship Management Accelerator: This accelerator
utilizes Microsoft Dynamics CRM to
centralize sales management across multiple channel partners, as well as
distribute sales leads. A centralized Web portal becomes the nexus for
companies and their channel partners as they jointly manage sales. It also
automates additional business processes.
Portal Integration Accelerator: "A connector between Dynamics CRM
and a business's Web portal, this accelerator allows users to rapidly extend to
the Internet any business process and drive costs out of everyday business
interactions," according to Microsoft.
Microsoft has been promoting its CRM as
an alternative to offerings from other cloud application providers such as
Salesforce.com, offering a variety of add-ons and services at no cost. In March
2009, the company opened its Convergence conference by offering eight free CRM
Accelerators and an SLA (service-level agreement) for CRM
Online customers.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM powers not only
businesses, but also Microsoft's Public Sector On-Demand Solutions,
applications for government and education that include public-records tracking,
and student information systems.
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