Microsoft CRM will keep pace with Vista

To the surprise of no one but the reportage of many, Microsoft has announced its Microsoft Dynamics CRM will see release of a new version for the upcoming 2007 Microsoft Office system and Windows Vista releases.

The Microsoft guys also announced that, in addition to being offered through Microsoft’s standard volume-licensing program, Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be offered through the licensing model used with Microsoft Dynamics enterprise resource planning products, thereby “making it simpler and more convenient for customers and partners to buy and deploy a full Microsoft Dynamics suite solution that spans customer relationship management, financial management and supply chain management.”

The new version will be released at the same time as the 2007 Office release and will ultimately promised to be made available in 18 languages.

Features touted in the to-be-released version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM include:

• richer data visualization with Microsoft Office Excel 2007;

• desktop action and insight using Windows Vista gadgets. New Windows Vista gadgets allow Microsoft Dynamics CRM activities, analytics and alerts to be placed directly onto the desktop or home page;

• unified communications with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007; and

• enhanced security with BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows Vista, which is being advertised as “help[ing to] protect confidential CRM data on laptops from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.”

Interestingly enough, the earliest enthusiast of the product is the National Football League club, the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts began an initiative to evaluate replacement options for its current Salesforce.com CRM solution and Crowe Chizek, a regional Microsoft Gold Certified and Microsoft Dynamics Partner, eventually wowed the Colts front office guys with the combination of the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Windows Vista and Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

How much of the glow of the Colts’ current white-hot 8-0 start can Chizek and Microsoft bask in? Additionally, you gotta wonder if a little analysis from the newfangled system might improve their defense against the run, or maybe even figure out a way to finally win The Big One. CRM, ha! I bet they’re just using the computer systems over there to play a bunch of Madden and fantasy football…

Microsoft also announced that licensing options for Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be increased by adding it to the licensing model offered with Microsoft Dynamics ERP products, including Business Ready Licensing and Modular Based Licensing.