Microsoft Releases Global Beta of Next-Generation CRM Product

Discover the Power of Productivity with the new Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 beta release for cloud-based and on-premises deployments.

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Microsoft Corp.

Sep 09, 2010, 09:00 ET

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced a key milestone for Microsoft Dynamics CRM with the beta release of its next-generation product for cloud-based and on-premises deployments. The beta release marks the worldwide rollout of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service from Microsoft's global datacenters, and it will be released to customers and hosting partners for on-premises deployment as Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

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The beta for the new Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service will be available in eight languages and 36 markets, and the final version of the service will be available by the end of the year in 40 markets and 41 languages. The beta of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 for on-premises and partner-hosted deployments will be available in all 40 markets in eight languages. Customers and partners can download or sign up for the beta today at http://www.crm2011beta.com to evaluate and start building solutions based on the new release.

"Microsoft Dynamics CRM has tremendous momentum around the world, and we're glad to bring an exciting new wave of technology to our customers and partners," said Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. "Our new beta release for cloud-based and on-premises deployments allows customers and partners to try the product and see the benefits from the investments that we've been making."

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 delivers the Power of Productivity through familiar, connected and intelligent experiences for users inside and outside an organization.

Familiar experiences through a next-generation native Microsoft Outlook client, Microsoft Office contextual CRM Ribbon, RoleTailored design and user personalization
Intelligent experiences through guided process dialogs, inline data visualizations, performance and goal management, and real-time dashboards
Connected experiences through cloud development, Windows Azure integration, contextual Microsoft SharePoint document repositories, teamwork and collaboration, and the Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace

"As an on-demand business, we value the fast deployment, ease of use and rapid adoption that Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 delivers," said Karen Watts, CEO of Corefino Services LLC. "The flexibility and productivity of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 is a game-changer."

Microsoft also announced that the Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace will enter beta later this month. At beta, this new online service will be available at no additional cost and will provide an easy way for partners to market and distribute solutions to Microsoft Dynamics customers, including a catalog with more than 700 applications and professional services. Customers will be able to access Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace directly from within Microsoft Dynamics CRM to search, filter and download applications, as well as directly connect with Microsoft partners. More information about Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace can be found at http://crm.dynamics.com/DynamicsMarketplace/landing.aspx.

"Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 is the true realization of customer relationship management — dynamic, open, uncompromising, extensible and fully integrated into the desktop — as both software and a service," said Doug Zone, chief technology officer of MetraTech Corp. "When it is combined with the Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace, we will now be able to market and distribute our solutions to an even broader audience."

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 beta is available in English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Chinese. The beta of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 on-premises is available worldwide, and the beta of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is available in Austria, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Those who want to download the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 beta or sign up for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online beta can do so at http://www.crm2011beta.com. In addition, they can follow and engage with the Microsoft Dynamics CRM community at http://www.twitter.com/msdynamicscrm.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of easy-to-use, integrated and adaptable ERP and CRM applications that enable business decision-makers to quickly respond to market shifts, take advantage of new trends, increase their competitive edge and drive business success. Microsoft Dynamics solutions are delivered through a world-class network of reselling partners providing specialized services and additional innovation to help customers excel in their industries.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.