There is no better time to be a Dynamics customer than right now.
You may have heard by now that Microsoft took the wraps off their new Dynamics 365 initiative. No more Dynamics CRM, it is now Dynamics 365. With all the hype (deserved, I think) and additional functionality of Dynamics 365, combined with what would be the regular Dynamics CRM Online fall release cadence, I want to make sure our customers get the info they need.
First, if you are a current customer of ours reading this, take a deep breath. Please know we will be contacting you directly to schedule a road map discussion and provide you with your best options. Nothing has to be done right away and there are several options for you to choose from with different timelines. Deep breath, there is a ton of great new functionality coming your way.
There is no better time to be a Dynamics customer than right now.
Second, as an existing customer of Dynamics CRM, you will be able to transition at your pace – just as you do with your CRM upgrades now. While you will have a final possible transition date, generally, you will have plenty of time to evaluate your options and we are here to help.
So, what is Dynamics 365? From Microsoft:
“Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the next generation of intelligent business applications that enable organizations to grow, evolve and transform. These applications unify CRM and ERP capabilities by delivering new purpose-built applications that work seamlessly together to help manage specific business functions across Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Financials, Field Service, Project Service Automation, Marketing, and Customer Insights.”
That’s a mouthful of marketing mumbo jumbo for sure. Let me translate.
At its core, Dynamics 365 is Dynamics CRM. Period. It will still have the same look and feel but your CRM will now be bolstered by new analytic tools, greater customer insight, new functionality like fully embedded editable grids, new mobile clients and a new relationship assistant. All very powerful and will make your users happy.
The emphasis is truly on better customer engagement and more efficient selling processes than it is the CRM “application” concept. This will be hard for many old school business application resellers to grasp. What it means for you is a better process based experience, guided where you want it to be, smarter throughout, with more engaged users and customers.
There is no better time to be a Dynamics customer than right now.
Dynamics 365 can also include – but you are not required to include it – an ERP application integrated seamlessly into your business process. Dynamics 365 Business (SMB version) includes financials based on the Dynamics NAV platform while Dynamics 365 Operations includes a powerful ERP solution based on Dynamics AX7. All of this hosted, all of it available through your license.
In reality, for existing CRM customers, this will start out as a new licensing construct for your CRM modules. You only license what you need, adding functionality as you want it and when your users can leverage it. You will be able to purchase it by the Application (Sales, Marketing, Financials, Field Service, etc.) or through a plan that includes many of the modules.
Again, deep breath. We’ve got you covered.
If you are a Dynamics CRM customer but not aligned with us as your partner, you can easily remedy that. Contact our Sales department and we’ll discuss your options, along with our comprehensive support and administration plans.
Here is a great video from Microsoft providing an overview. Remember, it’s your same CRM, with more features that improve your customer engagement strategy.
There is no better time to be a Dynamics customer than right now.
By Ken Farmer, President, xRM³, Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner, San Diego, Southern California. Click here to contact a Dynamics 365 expert.
