Microsoft releases November 2009 Service Update for CRM Online, what it means for Salesforce.com switchers

Posted by Mike Snyder on November 3, 2009  |  Comments (3)

Earlier today, Microsoft announced a new update to the CRM Online service. It’s a marketing mouthful with the name “November 2009 service update for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online” but it really is exciting stuff!

Since we sell against Salesforce.com frequently, I thought I would share my $0.02 on how I think this November update will help Microsoft compete even more aggressively against Salesforce.com: 

1. I believe the revised Microsoft CRM Outlook client offers best possible integration between any CRM system and Outlook. In addition to being faster from a performance standpoint, the new Outlook client offers new tools and utilities to load your existing Outlook contacts in Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online in just a few clicks.
2. The new Microsoft CRM Online pricing model (just $44/per user per month for all editions) offers all of the functionality of Salesforce.com Enterprise edition at one-third the monthly cost. The Salesforce.com Enterprise edition costs $125 per user per month and you will need this edition if you want programming API, workflow, and offline access. All of those features are included at the $44 Microsoft price point. In addition, Microsoft includes mobile access in the $44/per user per month price, and this functionality in Salesforce.com requires the Unlimited Edition which has a list price of $250/per user per month!
3. It is now easier than ever to switch from Salesforce.com to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online:
1. The November 2009 Service Update includes pre-built data maps to load your existing Salesforce.com data quickly and easily in Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.
2. Microsoft is running a promotion where existing Salesforce.com customers can switch to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and get 6 months of free service!
4. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online November 2009 Service Update includes new functionality such as new reporting and dashboard capabilities, and enhanced end user training and adoption tools.