Microsoft CRM 2013 is coming soon – October 1 to be exact (barring any last minute delays). Microsoft has given it’s preview to partners like us, shown us the new features, the changes, the navigation, the interfaces, the hooks to social media. Having had 24 hours to digest the info, I thought I would share my thoughts.
Microsoft sees future use of CRM being on touchscreen devices
Microsoft CRM is coming to iPads and iPhones in a big way. It will be a supported app from Microsoft, and yes, you will find it in Apples App Store just like any other app. The look and feel will give quick access to what you want to see. Microsoft understands that users need access from everywhere – in a meeting, at home first thing in the morning, at an airport, at the kids soccer game. Microsoft CRM 2013 will deliver that.
CRM fails when end users don’t like using it
It's the elephant in the room and Microsoft gets it. The best implemented CRM solution will fail if end users aren’t using it. After all – what good is incomplete data in a CRM system? Microsoft CRM 2013 is making a huge step forward in making sure information is delivered in one screen, and that navigation is easy and clean. More importantly, Microsoft CRM 2013 is designed to deliver info end users will want – more on that in the next point.
CRM systems have to go beyond storing data – they need to collect it
The marketplace is full of solutions that will assist businesses in collecting data, combing the web for information, capturing leads from the web, etc. All of them tout how tightly they integrate with Microsoft CRM. Which begs the question: why doesn’t Microsoft CRM do that for you in the first place? Now, it will. With MarketingPilot and Yammer, Microsoft CRM will work with your web site and social media like Twitter and LinkedIn to update information automatically. When users log-in, they will see new leads, or updates to existing ones. Imagine the possibilities if end users are actually excited to open Microsoft CRM and see what has changed since the day before!
SalesForce.com just got weaker
Now that I have typed that name – SalesForce – I have guaranteed that about 10 people from SFDC corporate will read this post. So to our friends in San Francisco, I say welcome.
I have given my reasons in the past for why I think SalesForce does not measure up to Microsoft CRM. With the new navigation, free supported iPad app, social media integration and new support options from Microsoft, the case is even stronger. SalesForce is going to have a very difficult time justifying a high and out of date price point for their solution.
For more information on Microsoft CRM 2013, please visit us at www.intellitecsolutions.com, or call us at 866-504-4357
By Intellitec Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner serving Delaware
Thoughts on Microsoft CRM 2013 is a post from: CRM Software Blog