July 14, 2006

Microsoft CRM: Now Software Soon Hosted Application

I told you - the drum roll for the march toward software as a service is getting louder and louder. Microsoft is the LEADER in desktop / PC based applications and has very few mainstream business applications. However, it's soon going to launch CRM as a hosted application via Windows Live.

Microsoft's press release reads The Microsoft CRM Live service will be operated and managed by Microsoft within its Windows Live data centres, and will offer Microsoft's partners another fast and flexible way to address the unique customer relationship management (CRM) needs of each customer. Microsoft CRM Live will use the same code base as the on-premise and partner-hosted versions of Microsoft CRM, a strategy that reinforces Microsoft's leadership in allowing customers to choose the best deployment option for their business and IT needs at any time. The full range of Microsoft CRM products is part of Microsoft's vision for business -- the People-Ready Business -- and the new Microsoft CRM Live service will be integrated with Microsoft's Windows Live services and Office Live services.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live is planned for introduction in North America in the second quarter of 2007, and will be offered as a range of service offerings on a monthly subscription basis. There is no limit to the number of users that the system can support, but it will initially be targeted primarily at small businesses, a segment that has traditionally been under-served by the lack of flexible and cost-effective CRM solutions. Early access programmes that allow partners to have access to the new Microsoft CRM Live service will begin in the second half of 2006. Further pricing and product packaging information will be disclosed before the introduction of the service, and will reflect Microsoft CRM's continued commitment to delivering powerful and affordable solutions to the entire market, from small businesses to large enterprises. Further information regarding Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live may be found at http://www.crmlive.com.

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