News

Dynamics CRM 2011 Release Candidate Available

Microsoft on Tuesday announced the availability of the release candidate (RC) version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

This final test version of Microsoft's customer relationship management software can be accessed at the Microsoft Download Center, or via links provided in Microsoft's announcement. The release candidate succeeds the beta version that Microsoft unveiled in September.

New features described in the beta version include Office-like user interface improvements, along with better integration with SharePoint and Dynamics AX. Microsoft's partners got some inducements through an integrated Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace, which lets CRM users find add-on development support offered by partners from within Dynamics CRM 2011. No new features were described for the RC version in Microsoft's announcement.

Those already testing the beta can download the RC and simply upgrade the beta, according to Microsoft. That upgrade, in turn, can be used to move to the "release-to-manufacturing" version of Dynamics CRM 2011, when it's released. Microsoft expects this final product release to happen sometime in the first quarter of 2011.

Microsoft also offers a hosted version called "Dynamics CRM Online" beta, which is software delivered as a service via Microsoft's servers or its hosting partners' servers. Microsoft expects to roll out the new Dynamics CRM Online service in its release-to-Web final form sometime in January 2011. Users currently testing the beta service will be prompted to see if they'd like to upgrade to this production version at that time.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced Dynamics CRM Online promotional pricing of $34 per user per month for the first year of service, offering it only to new customers. The current price is $44 per user per month, according to this Microsoft description. The promo offer will extend from time of service launch until June 30, 2011. There's also a separate cash incentive offer for those switching from Oracle or Salesforce.com CRM.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

  • Nebula

    Ahead of AGI, Microsoft and OpenAI Redefine Their Partnership

    In a recapitalization announced Tuesday, OpenAI has launched a new public benefit corporation (PBC) called OpenAI Group, giving Microsoft a 27 percent ownership stake valued at approximately $135 billion.

  • Veeam Acquires Securiti AI To Unify Data Resilience and AI Security

    Veeam Software is making a strategic move into AI and data security by acquiring Securiti AI for $1.7 billion.

  • Microsoft Adds 'Mico' Virtual Assistant to Copilot in Major Fall Update

    In a significant feature update, Microsoft on Thursday said it is reshaping its Copilot AI platform with features that deepen user personalization and enable real-time group collaboration, among other perks.

  • Nutanix Partner Central Rolls Out To Boost Channel Engagement

    Nutanix on Wednesday launched a new platform, Partner Central, to give its channel partners a unified digital workspace for managing sales, tracking incentives and collaborating more effectively.

Most   Popular