Microsoft CRM Implementation & Remote Support

We would like to give you pluses and minuses of Microsoft CRM.

  • Web and MS Outlook based client - this means that you don't need additional installations or training - everyone is using Outlook if you are on Windows XP/2000/2003
  • SQL Server database - just to mention
  • Integration with Microsoft Exchange 2003/2000 - this means that replies to CRM originated emails will be captured and store in CRM as activities for the Contact, Account or Lead.
  • Remote Support - I would say - this would be in the nature of MS CRM - you host it's database in your headquarter and users will connect to it worldwide via Internet Explorer
  • Integration with other MBS products - currently it has integration interface with Microsoft Great Plains
  • Microsoft technologies dependence - yes, this is true and maybe considered as minus, it doesn't work with Netscape or Mozilla browser.
  • New Product - it is relatively new on the market and may not have industry specific features yet
  • Also if you are considering some customization scenarios, we would suggest you to review the options below:

  • Microsoft CRM SDK ? this is software development kit with C# and partly VB.net code samples ? it is supported by Microsoft Business Solutions technical support. It is based on web service calls, if you are C# .NET developer ? you are excellently positioned to do this type of customizations. This is the preferred modification scenario and this should be easily upgradeable customization. VB.Net examples will be available soon.
  • Legacy SQL Data integration. This is also easy and safe. If you have SQL database, sitting on the same or linked SQL Server ? you can create ASPX .Net application and simply integrate it into CRM. You can place it on the navigation bar or menu in isv.config ? please refer to MS CRM SDK
  • Legacy ASP integration ? this is somewhat more sophisticated. You have to deploy HTTP handler to be a middle party between CRM which is .Net based and ASP which is legacy IIS. The trick is ? you have to have INI file with security settings to penetrate into MS CRM with proper credentials, calling web service.
  • Microsoft Exchange Programming. Microsoft CRM has Exchange connector ? which moves CRM incoming email to MS if it has GUID in its subject. You can alter this logic (for instance - move email to CRM if it doesn't have GUID but it is from the sender who is contact or account in MS CRM). Refer to MS Exchange SDK onsyncsave event handling. Then simply apply some MS CRM SDK programming - you need some COM+ objects creation and VB programming experience.
  • Direct SQL touch ? in #4 above I described you the scenario with MS Exchange handlers ? this would be ideal world if MS CRM SDK does the job. But ? in real world this is not always true ? you have to do direct flags correction in CRM database (like making Activity closed, moving email attachments/octet streams, etc). This is not supported by MBS technical support ? but you can rescue to this technique if you have to get job done.
  • MS CRM Customization tool ? this is rather end-user tool and we don't describe it here ? read the manual. We've described above the options to use when this tool doesn't do the job
  • Crystal Reports - feel free to create Crystal report - tables and views structure is self explanatory. Try to avoid the temptation to create your own SQL view or stored procedure in MS CRM database, instead - create custom database and place your view and stored proc in it.
  • Happy selection, implementation and modification! If you want us to do the job - give us a call 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com

    Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer in Alba Spectrum Technologies ? USA nationwide Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Great Plains customization company, based in Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Miami and having locations in multiple states and internationally (www.albaspectrum.com), he is Dexterity, SQL, VB/C#.Net, Crystal Reports and Microsoft CRM SDK developer.

    In The News:


    pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    History of Java

    The java programming language is becoming more and more popular... Read More

    Spyware Protection: A Must for Any Home Computer

    Now that spyware is the single most dangerous threat to... Read More

    Crystal Reports For Microsoft Navision - Overview For Programmer/IT Specialist

    Let us give you - developer some hints in the... Read More

    Software Development in 2005 - Back to the Future

    2005 ? Back to the Future.What does the future hold?... Read More

    Reduce Pop-ups and Annoying Ads

    There is many things more frustrating than surfing a website... Read More

    Screenshots Vista Windows

    Features Additionally, Vista will include many other new features.Aero Vista... Read More

    Backing Up And Restoring Your MySQL Database

    If you've been using MySQL database to store your important... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains 8.0 Brazilian Version ? Overview For International Consultant

    Microsoft Great Plains has substantial mid-market share in the USA... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains: Offshore Customization & Development ? Overview for Consultant

    When you visit department stores and see that majority of... Read More

    Spyware: What It Is and How to Combat It

    Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without... Read More

    Online PowerPoint Presentation ? Convert PowerPoint to Flash

    Although we don't know whether Microsoft ever envisioned such a... Read More

    Why Java RDBMS?

    It is a well known fact that Java as a... Read More

    Beware of Spyware

    One day, you suddenly realize that your computer started to... Read More

    Microsoft Business Solutions - Navision Customization: C/SIDE, C/ODBC, C/FRONT, XBRL

    Microsoft bought Navision, Denmark based software development company, along with... Read More

    Make or Break Factors - When Considering Estimating Software

    Make-or-Break Factors in Success and ProfitabilityFor quick printers, estimating can... Read More

    Mapping Software: Putting Data Visualization on the Map

    Mapping Software Improves Data VisualizationFrom the outset, it is important... Read More

    Internet Faxing Service Review

    The Internet is reshaping every form of communications medium, and... Read More

    Know-how in Microsoft Publisher

    For those who still don't know, Microsoft Publisher helps computer... Read More

    C++ Tutorials: 3, Program Flow (If, Else, While, For)

    Program Flow is what you think it is. How the... Read More

    The Truth about Colossus: Are You Just A Magnetic Image?

    What is Colossus?Colossus is software licensed to about twenty-five insurance... Read More

    .NET :Solving the Multiple Inheritance Issue Under .NET Platform

    .NET platform does not support multiple inheritance. Do not confuse... Read More

    Document Templates Give You The Perfect Framework For Your Documents

    When it comes to running an office, the SOHO entrepreneur... Read More

    Partitioning, Formatting and Reinstalling in Windows 98

    Formatting and reinstalling windows 98 is very easy if you... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains: If You are Orphan Client ? What to Do and FAQ

    Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains, former Great Plains Software eEnterprise,... Read More

    Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise Upgrade ? Things to Consider and FAQ

    If you have Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise (version 6.0 or earlier)... Read More

    Artificial Intelligence And Intuition

    The intuitive algorithm.Roger Penrose considered it impossible. Thinking could never... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains PM: Payables Management

    Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies... Read More

    Microsoft Office Selecting Secrets

    Stop the Runaway MouseWhat's the "runaway mouse?" You've seen it...you... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains Middle East - Arabic Language Support

    Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies... Read More

    Software Tools To Help Your Business Sell More

    Sales are all about leverage, because there is only so... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains international implementation ? USA / Mexico ? overview for consultant

    Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains was purchased from Great Plains... Read More

    Linux Dual Boot-How To Format

    Just the thought of a duel-boot scares many people away,... Read More

    Microsoft Business Solutions VAR/Partner Selection ? Overview for IT Director/Manager/Controller

    Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft CRM become more and more... Read More