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Workopia Microsoft CRM & CRM Online BlogMicrosoft Dynamics CRM & CRM Online Blog for Small Medium Businesses (SMB) - How To Articles, Project Stories, Observations, etc. 4/20/2009 CRM Online: Contact Us Web Form Made Easy!The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online's March 2009 Service Update introduced a very nice feature called "Internet lead capture" that is very useful for most small medium businesses (SMB). It can save a lot of time by automatically capturing ANY web form entries and loading them into Microsoft CRM Online.
 Here is a video about it in more details:
We had updated our Workopia website's Contact Us web form to utilize this new Microsoft CRM Online Internet lead capture feature. It was really easy to setup and works the very first time. It took only about 30 minutes from start to completion and now anyone that submits our Contact Us web form, the data will go directly in to our Microsoft CRM Online system. Very cool.
Some notes about setting up:
1. The Landing Pages setup wizard is very user friendly, since this is an initial release, the choices are pretty basic but should be enough to get the job done
2. There are only 32 CRM Lead fields (last name, first name, company, title, email, business phone, address, etc.) that are available for use on a landing page. Currently, it doesn't support adding other CRM Lead fields to this list. Again this works for most landing pages
3. In case you do need to capture data that is not a direct map to any of the 32 CRM Lead fields - I would suggest picking one of the un-used 32 CRM Lead fields to capture the data and then use a CRM Workflow rule to move this field's data to the proper CRM Lead field after it is in CRM Online
4. I would prefer the "Use your own site" option for most cases. This allows for total control of our Contact Me Request web form looks and feel. However, for a quick and simple web form to capture data, I'd suggest trying out the "Lead capture pages" option. Using this option, the web form is automatically generated and hosted by Microsoft CRM Online. Here is an example of our CRM Online Statistic FREE Download Registration web form using this option
5. I want to be email alerted whenever someone submitted our Contact Us web form, however this option is not built-in. Instead here is a good "keep it simple" work-around: we had our web site developer customized the Landing Page's Submit button URL page with the functionality to send an email alert. Any good web administrator or programmer should know how to perform this work-around
Contact us if you need help with this area. Free Estimate.
4/14/2009 CRM Online: Reporting OptionsMicrosoft Dynamics CRM Online is a fantastic CRM platform for most small medium businesses (SMB) - it is so easy and inexpensive to get started. However, one area of challenge for Microsoft CRM Online is custom reporting. Some background on this. Unlike Microsoft CRM On-Premise, Microsoft CRM Online does not support uploading of SQL Report Services (SRS) custom reports (.RDL) or accessing the SQL Server Database filtered views. CRM Online does not allow users to directly access the CRM Application Server or Database Server - this is a good thing to maintain security and the 99.9% uptime for all the companies that are running on Microsoft CRM Online. In fact, I'm not aware of any other major On-Demand Business Application vendors allowing their users to directly access the application or database server.
Start with the "Out of the Box" options such as Default Reports, Advanced Find / Export to Excel, Mail Merge, and Report Wizard to meet your CRM Online reporting needs. If none of them are "good enough" then go with custom report development (SDK). Here are some good references/links to the reporting options mentioned above: Default Reports: Advanced Find / Export to Excel: Video: Using Advanced Find - Time: 10:02 minutes Mail Merge: Blog: Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mail Merge Templates Blog: Printing Quote for customer Video: Mail Merge - Time: 08:03 minutes
Video: Reporting Overview - Time: 15:29 minutes 2. Utilize an integration tool to extract CRM data to a local data source and then use a corresponding reporting tool. For example, you can purchase and setup the Scribe Software Insight to integrate between Microsoft CRM Online and the local SQL Server database. The local SQL Server database will mimic the needed CRM Online tables so you can use the Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Service (SRS) report development tool or other reporting, Business Intelligence (BI) tools tools to build the custom report against the local data Custom Development (SDK):
Here's a case study regarding custom report development for Microsoft CRM Online: One of our Microsoft CRM Online clients in the high tech engineering services industry had a need for several reports, some of those reports are used as "summary printouts" to be given to the customer upon service completion. These reports contain very specific formatting, layout, calculations, graphics, and data content from various Microsoft CRM related areas, more than two levels of data relationships. We had tried to use the "Out of the Box" options to see if it is "good enough", but none of them were acceptable for this case. The Client loves Microsoft CRM Online but without their critical reports, they will have to either switch to Microsoft CRM On-Premise or to another CRM system. We decided to build their Microsoft CRM Online reports via custom report development - this worked great! The Client can now click on a report button from either their CRM Online Web Client or Outlook Client to access these custom reports. The Client got the EXACT reports they are looking for and was able to stay with Microsoft CRM Online without switching to another CRM system. The effort to build these custom reports was about the same as if we have to build them via SRS custom report development for an On-Premise environment. In summary, if you have data in Microsoft CRM Online that you would like to report on, and none of the "Out of the Box" reporting options are good enough, then try custom report development.
2/16/2009 Mobile Option: Microsoft CRM 4.0 Mobile ExpressExciting news - the new Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Mobile Express is available for preview. The 4.0 Mobile Express could be an excellent option to setup for most Small to Medium Businesses (SMB) that want to access Microsoft CRM data via their mobile PDA phones.
You can download the Mobile Express for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Preview and give Microsoft CRM team feedback through newsgroups at:
Please note: This is a Preview "Beta" release so install it in a TEST environment to try it out first.
Here is the original blog write-up by Barry Givens at Microsoft:
Some initial observations:
1. The installation is SUPER easy! It is completely wizard driven vs. the previous Microsoft CRM v3.0 Mobile Express which was 100% manual
2. The look and feel are pretty much the same as Microsoft CRM v3.0 Mobile Express which is a good thing since this allows it to work across the majority of the PDA phones out there. The client was written to work with any HTML 4.01 compliant browser and requires no JavaScript to work. This is the classic "Keep it Simple" design approach which I always prefer
3. Besure to work with your IT/Network Administrator to securely setup (SSL, firewall routing, etc.) the acess from the outside to your Mobile Express website. Need to be extra careful with the PDA phone acessing your CRM data since the Mobile Express is installed on the CRM Server
4. You can update the number of records displayed per view via the following:
>> Open the Web.config file located in "Program Files\Microsoft Mobile Express\MobileApplication\" folder
>> Set the "RecordsPerPage" value (default is 10)
Frank
Workopia, Inc.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM MVP http://www.workopia.com/Links.htm11/4/2008 Mobile Options: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0Today, let me address the growing desire to couple mobile phones to the company’s CRM data. The easiest and cheapest way is simply to use the built-in Microsoft Dynamics CRM Outlook Client feature. It supports all versions of Microsoft CRM (OnPremise, Hosted and Online). This approach involves no additional cost, training or effort to set up. For many small companies where the mobile requirement is not complex, this approach does the job.
However, if your company has a more complex structure or you need more features, here are two 3rd party solutions I can recommend: 1. c360 Mobile CRM for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 - supports Microsoft Pocket PC phones; http://www.c360.com/MobileCRM.aspx 2. TenDigits MobileAccess for Dynamics CRM - supports both BlackBerry and Pocket PC phones; http://www.tendigits.com
Here’s an interesting case history that evolved into a mobile phone situation:
One of our clients with five employees in the executive recruiting industry had been using Encore Recruiting Software, an industry-specific application for the recruiting industry. We helped them switch over to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for two reasons:
1. Microsoft CRM worked natively within Outlook - much easier to operate since they no longer had to switch between managing their emails, contacts, appointments (Microsoft Outlook) and managing their Searches and Candidates using Encore. 2. Microsoft CRM was much easier and lower cost to customize to their particular business. Despite the industry-specific nature of the Encore Recruiting Software, the functions they needed on a daily basis were easily replicated with Microsoft CRM "out of the box" when properly set up. After this switchover, Microsoft CRM quickly became their primary operational system. It managed their Companies and Contacts. It managed their Search Projects. It seamlessly linked the Candidates (Contacts) to the Searches and Search activities. The client was extremely happy with their investment – it was clear their new Microsoft CRM system would support their business for many years to come.
Now the mobile part. As you can guess, the Recruiting/Search industry is very "Relationship Oriented." The client's team members need to have quick and easy access to all their Contacts (both business and personal). Obviously, it would be a great benefit if they could access their database from their mobile phones, eliminating delays on the road. With Microsoft CRM, all their business contacts are already centralized and are easily shared/synchronized with their Outlook contacts. Further, each user can define which CRM contacts (business contacts) they want to synchronize with their Outlook.
The last step is the Microsoft Outlook to mobile connection which is straightforward. We did the initial design and set up, followed by a little training, and the client now can synchronize their cell phones with their corporate Outlook data. The process is so simple that they can administer and maintain this on their own going forward.
In summary, here’s the approach for mobile integration with Microsoft CRM:
1. Setup and try-out the Microsoft CRM Outlook Client to mobile phone synch. If this is good enough, go with this approach.
2. If not, if you are using BlackBerry, check out TenDigits MobileAccess for Dynamics CRM. Or if you are using Pocket PC, check out c360 Mobile CRM for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0.
Call us if you need help!
6/15/2008 Upgrade: Microsoft CRM 3.0 to 4.0 UpgradeAfter performing numerous Microsoft CRM 3.0 to 4.0 upgrades, I'd like to share my observations here. There are a few different scenarios for the upgrade – I will cover these three:
1. Microsoft CRM 3.0 Small Business Edition to 4.0 2. Microsoft CRM 3.0 Professional to 4.0 32 bit edition 3. Microsoft CRM 3.0 Professional to 4.0 64 bit edition
Note: For detail upgrade steps, review the Microsoft CRM 4.0 Implementation Guide - Installing Doc, Section: Upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Server.
1. Microsoft CRM 3.0 Small Business Edition to 4.0:
– Ensure that the Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) 2003 Premium is R2 since Microsoft CRM 4.0 Server requires Microsoft SQL Server 2005, so upgrade the SBS to R2 first, then upgrade CRM
– After the upgrade, disable the "Microsoft CRM-Fax Router Service" since it is no longer needed in 4.0
2. Microsoft CRM 3.0 Professional to 4.0 32 bit edition:
– Ensure that Microsoft CRM 3.0 is running on SQL Server 2005. If not, upgrade the SQL Server 2000 to 2005 first since Microsoft CRM 4.0 Server requires Microsoft SQL Server 2005. Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server supports both SQL Server 2000 and 2005. Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server is not supported on Windows Server 2008 - so don't upgrade the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server Windows Operating System to 2008 prior to the upgrade.
3. Microsoft CRM 3.0 Professional to 4.0 64 bit edition:
– Need to upgrade Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server to 4.0 32 bit edition first (see 2. above)
– Then migrate (via the new 4.0 Import Organization in the Deployment Manager) the upgraded Microsoft CRM 4.0 32 bit edition to your new Windows Server 2003 or 2008 64 bit edition environment
General upgrade notes:
· All three license versions of the Microsoft CRM 4.0 (Workgroup, Professional and Enterprise) work on all supported platforms. Check with your Microsoft CRM Partner on the best version to upgrade to. If you have 3rd Party software installed, check with the 3rd Party software vendor for their 4.0 support, and if going 64 bits – their 64 bits support
· Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 is officially supported to run on a computer that is running Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 and Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V in production systems. Please review Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 946600 and for Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 957054. Please review the software support on a computer that is running non-Microsoft hardware virtualization software on the Knowledge Base Articles.
· Backup, backup, backup - last thing you want is a failed upgrade and no way to recover; people can get fired for this! I would highly recommend keeping your production Microsoft CRM 3.0 environment intact and performing the Microsoft CRM 4.0 on new server(s). This way, if the upgrade fails for whatever reason, all you have to do is turn on the existing Microsoft CRM 3.0 environment and be back in operation without any worries.
· Use the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Redeployment Tool to properly migrate a "copy" (all the configuration and data) of the current Microsoft CRM 3.0 environment to another enviornment. The Redeployment Tool is located in the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server CD's subfolder "RedeploymentTool". Microsoft CRM 3.0 is not supported on Windows Server 2008. Besure to read the instructions included in the "RedeploymentTool" subfolder and follow the directions so it doesn't impact your currrent environment
· Test, test, test - especially if this is your first time performing the 4.0 upgrade, be sure to practice the upgrade in a test environment so you could experience all the glory details involved prior to upgrading your production 3.0 environment. After the technical portion of the test upgrade is successful, ask your end users to login to the test environment and validate their current processes on it to minimize surprises. If you have custom SDK functions, validate them, especially if you had deployed "unsupported" ones
· For the Microsoft CRM Outlook Client upgrade, I'd recommend completely uninstalling the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Outlook Client and then reinstall with the Microsoft CRM 4.0 Outlook Client. If you have any 3.0 Offline Outlook Clients, ensure that they have switched to Online prior to the upgrade. Also, a good practice would be to apply the latest Windows and Office update on the Microsoft CRM Outlook Client PC
3/29/2008 How To: Installing Microsoft CRM for Outlook ClientThis is one of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and CRM Online How To Articles that I've written. My aim for these articles is to be very reader friendly (Microsoft CRM beginners and up) with step by step instructions and lots of screen shots.
The task of installing the Microsoft CRM for Outlook Client happens pretty often and it is also on-going, usually when a new Microsoft CRM user is added. For a small business, Microsoft CRM Outlook Client install can be easily managed and administered by your internal resources, even if they are not part of the IT department.
For Microsoft CRM Online:
How To: Installing the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for Outlook Client For Microsoft CRM 4.0 On-Premise:
How To: Installing the On Premise Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for Outlook Client After installation, I'd recommend our Microsoft CRM Online Outlook Client Post Installation Check and Initial Settings
Enjoy and please comment! 3/16/2008 Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Product Key LocationWith the release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, there has been a change to the location of the Product Key. If you are ordering Microsoft CRM 4.0 via Volume Licensing, you will need to order the Media Kit (about $25 USD) from eOpen for Open, and from MVLS (VLSC) for all other, because the Microsoft CRM Product Key/License Key is embedded in the media (vs. printed on the back side of the media sleeve like in Microsoft CRM v3.0).
So, for Microsoft CRM 4.0 ordered via Volume Licensing - it is embedded in the CRM Server CD Media, under the following path: \Server\[amd64 or i386]\license.txt (see picture)
Note: When installing the Microsoft CRM v4.0 Server from the Volume License media – the install will look for the license key file automatically - very cool, no more manually typing it in!
Note: For Microsoft CRM 4.0 media obtained through the Dynamics ERP product price list/Business Ready Licensing, the license key is NOT embedded in the media, and must be obtained from your Dynamics CRM Partner, who can obtain them in PartnerSource.
Note: There are other channels beside Volume Licensing and Business Ready Licensing - see this link for the document containing summary of Where Customers may obtain License Keys for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0:
6/28/2007 Updates: Update Rollup 2 and 3 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 (KB 927751)Last update: 3/17/08
Here are the links to the latest public updates available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 and the approch I'd recommend for applying these updates:
1. Upgrade all the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Outlook Clients to "V3C" if you haven't done so yet. This is highly recommended. All new Microsoft CRM Outlook Clients installation should be installed using "V3C". Download the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Client for Microsoft Office Outlook Compatibility Update "V3C" via the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=740e1b3b-11c3-4aef-b2e3-8309e0cf1bb0&DisplayLang=en
2. Update both the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server and all the Outlook Clients with the Update Rollup 2 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 (KB 927751). Download the Update Rollup 2 via the following link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=81674da5-ffef-492a-a7b1-7e1f1951b05f&DisplayLang=en
As of 3/17/08 3. Update Rollup 3 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 (KB 935364) is available, please apply Update Rollup 3 after Update Rollup 2 (Update Rollup 2 is a prerequisite for Update Rollup 3) to the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server and all Outlook Clients. You can download Update Rollup 3 via this link:
Notes:
As a good practice, always backup your Microsoft CRM environment prior to any updates, check out the following Microsoft CRM Backup link: 3/4/2007 Update: Daylight Saving Time (DST) Changes for Microsoft CRM 3.0Beginning in 2007, daylight saving time (DST) will be extended in the United States. DST will start on March 11, 2007, which is three weeks earlier than usual, and it will end on November 4, 2007, which is one week later than usual. This results in a new DST period that is four weeks longer than in previous years. This will affect Microsoft CRM 3.0 and update is available.
Here is the link to the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Time Zone Data Updates (KB 925874) and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Update Time Zones Wizard (KB 932984)
1. General Microsoft environment (Windows Operating System, Office, SQL Server, Exchange, etc.) is updated to support DST change, check out the following link:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_dst or work with your IT partner. 2. For Microsoft CRM 3.0, download the following two updates: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Time Zone Data Updates (KB 925874) and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Update Time Zones Wizard (KB 932984) from the following link:
Note:
2/11/2007 Business Cards: What To Do With Them - CardScan Microsoft CRMIt's that time of the year again folks - Convergence 2007 is just around the corner! Convergence 2007 will take place in sunny San Diego, California, March 11-14. I was at last year's Convergence 2006 in Dallas, Texas and it was one of the best Microsoft CRM events I'd attended. Where else can you meet folks from different parts of the world, job roles, age groups, etc. that are passionate about Microsoft CRM in one place to network, exchange ideas/experiences and of course - business cards!!!
I love business cards, it is like a permission note to stay in touch with someone (by all means don't abuse this privilege, but always try to add value with each correspondence with the contact - the CRM way)!
How many business cards did I gathered at last year's Convergence 2006 you'd asked? I'd collected about 450+ business cards (excluding duplicate ones) so I'm expecting an abundant supply of business cards this time.. Woohoo...
So, how does an individual goes about dealing with "Business Cards" they'd received?
I had spoken to a few folks about how they deal with business cards - the most common response is that they just toss them in the trash or the "big" brown box under their desk afterwards - very sad! Of course, they did take the ones that are "important" and place those on their desk for entry/follow-up. Why not enter them ALL into their Contact/CRM system?
Here are a few responses:
I mean, we all will and going to be exchanging physical printed business cards with one another and I don't see it ending anytime soon even with all the electronic versions around - vCard, Web 2.0 Contact Application, PDA, etc. Oh well, I guess we just have to TYPE them in unless you have a college intern around!!! Manually, it takes me about a minute to enter each business card and categorize it in Microsoft CRM, with very tired hands afterwards - PAINFUL! There is a MUCH better way - CardScan for Microsoft CRM!!!
Side note: Manual entry of business cards is a poor use of your college intern's time/brain cells. They can help you find/prepare your next "Value added keep in touch email filled with relevant Technology/Business related articles"... Here is how I go about with the business cards I'd received from events:
This is a pretty simple process, takes very little time, and it works very well for me. Side note: Why "Nurture" them? Because they just may help you connect with or influence your next opportunity! But you have to "keep in touch and add value!" Here are the things that I love about my CardScan Microsoft CRM:
Yup, you'd guessed it, I will bring my CardScan Microsoft CRM with me to Convergence 2007! This way I can scan the business cards there and have more time for the family when I get back!
1/22/2007 Updates: Update Rollup 1 and Outlook Client "V3C"Last update: 6/28/07
Update Rollup 2 is now available, use Update Rollup 2 going forward.
Link to newer Update Rollup 2 writeup: http://microsoft-crm.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!A2586C4AB938C065!192.entry
Last update: 4/7/2007
Here are the links to the latest public updates available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 and the approch I'd recommend for applying these updates:
1. Update the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server with the Update Rollup 1
Download the Update Rollup 1 via the following link:
Note: No need to apply the Update Rollup 1 for the Microsoft CRM Outlook Clients, but instead apply the following "V3C":
2. Upgrade all the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Outlook Clients to "V3C"
Download the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 clients for Microsoft Office Outlook Compatibility Update via the following link:
3. Update Daylight Saving Time (DST) on Microsoft CRM 3.0 Server and Microsoft CRM 3.0 Outlook Clients:
Notes:
4. Review Hotfix below and apply only if needed.
Popular Hotfix:
Issue: "Microsoft Office Outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."
Action: Request this Microsoft CRM Hotfix 931270 via CustomerSource, apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific issue. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Microsoft Dynamics CRM service pack that contains this hotfix.
Note: This problem is also corrected in an update for the 2007 daylight saving time (DST) changes. As a good practice, always apply publicly available updates first (since it received more testing) that could resolve the issue(s) prior to requesting Hotfix.
7/3/2006 What's Next: Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile - Part 3We had tested the Microsoft CRM Mobile running on PDA Phone PPC6700 and it performed well (Part 2). Here is the current list of PDA and PDA Phones we have tested that works with Microsoft CRM Mobile 3.0 (list will update periodically):
PDA:
-Dell Axim x51v (April, 2006)
PDA Phones:
-Sprint PPC6700 (May, 2006)
-Verizon XV6700 (June, 2006)
-Cingular 8125 (June, 2006)
-T-Mobile MDA (June, 2006)
As of July, 2006, the fastest mobile broadband data protocol available in the U.S. is EV-DO from Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, etc. The average EV-DO download speeds range from 300 Kbps to 500 Kbps with peak rates of 2.4 Mbps! Upload speeds averaging 50 Kbps to 70 Kpbs. Also, unlimited PDA Phone web/data access plan from Sprint Power Vision Access Pack is available at $15.00 per month! Yup - you've guessed it, I went with the Sprint PPC6700 for myself.
Story time - here is an interesting Microsoft CRM Mobile experience during the past month:
I was visiting one of our Microsoft CRM clients planning for an upgrade to Microsoft CRM v3.0. They needed to redeploy their production v1.2 over to a test environment to test the v3.0 upgrade. Microsoft CRM v1.2 installation requires both the Organization Name and matching License Key. And guess what, the Client didn't have it handy.
As a practice, we store our clients' License Key under their corresponding CRM Account's notes. So... I quickly pulled out my Sprint PPC6700 running our Microsoft CRM Mobile and subscribed to their Account to bring down the needed info. Bingo, in less than a minute, their License Key appeared on my PDA!
That is so efficient! And the coolest part of it is that the Client after witnessing what just happened wants to evaluate Microsoft CRM Mobile 3.0 for their production use!
Microsoft CRM Mobile - Don't leave home without it!
6/11/2006 What's Next: Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile - Part 2We had tested the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile running on the Dell Axim x51v PDA and it performed well (Part 1), now it is time for trying it on one of those hot PDA Phones running Windows Mobile 5 currently available in the US market as of June, 2006:
Here are three PDA Phones and their specifications that we've considered.
-Intel XScale PXA270 Processor at 416MHz
-64MB SDRAM and 128MB Flash ROM -Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone
Motorola Q
-2.4" 320x240 Pixel TFT Touch Screen -Intel XScale PXA272 Processor at 312MHz -64MB SDRAM and 128MB Flash ROM -Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone
Treo 700w
-2.5" 240x240 Pixel TFT Touch Screen -Intel XScale PXA272 Processor at 312MHz -32MB SDRAM and 128MB Flash ROM -Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone
Why just these three? There are a lot of PDA Phones on the market, here is a current list of Windows Mobile 5 phones. I think these three represent the most popular and powerful PDA Phones running Windows Mobile 5.0 that are currently available - please comment to let me know if another model should be added on the above list.
Also, these are the models that many of our Microsoft CRM customers and prospects repeatedly asked about. Now, we all know that the mobile device market comes out with new models pretty fast, so these three bad boys may not even be on the list next year...
Something very interesting immediately came up - none of these phones meet the 3.5" screen size and 526MHz requirements listed for running Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile!!! The good news on screen size is that it really doesn't matter as long as the screen resolution requirement is met which is 240x320. Regarding the processor speed, well, I guess the only thing we can do is observe the performance...
Oops, looks like we need to eliminate the Treo 700w from our list!!! Even if it is not the screen resolution, the minimum 64MB RAM requirement would have nailed the Treo. Sorry Treo lovers, maybe wait on the next model for running Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile.
So we are down to the PPC6700/XV6700 or Motorola Q. Overall, the PPC6700/XV6700 is a faster device (416MHz vs. 312MHz) and has a bigger screen (2.88" vs 2.4"). Here are other "subjective" points:
1. The PPC6700/XV6700 came out a few months earlier which means more "field tested" - has an updated ROM available, more feedbacks/workarounds from the user community. It is a good practice to install the latest ROM (if available) before installing Microsoft CRM Mobile.
2. The PPC6700/XV6700 keyboard is much easier on the fingers since the buttons are larger than the Motorola Q. After typing on both devices, the bigger keypad on the PPC6700 via the sliding out keyboard from the side is a major plus!
Gosh, I'd almost missed the point that the Motorola Q is a Smartphone. This is a problem since Microsoft CRM Mobile only works on Pocket PC or Pocket PC Phone Edition. So, the Q gotta go... Link to Pocket PC Phone vs. Smartphone.
I guess it is pretty easy at this point - only the PPC6700/XV6700 remains. And the good news is that the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile was successfully installed on the PPC6700 without any issue! The installation process was the same as the Axim x51v. The amazing thing is that the performance is quite good, it feels about the same as that of the Axim x51v!
More field usage observations to come...
5/30/2006 What's Next: Microsoft CRM 3.0 MobileWe've finally got a chance to play with the just released Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile, the setup from the implementation guide was pretty straight forward (for us anyway) and our initial environment was up and running in a few hours. We've decided to start with the Dell Axim x51v PDA. The main reason we went with the Axim x51v vs. one of them hot PDA phones is that it will serve as a good baseline - the x51v fulfilled all the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile requirements with extra room to spare... except for the phone part... And it supports VGA screen resolution mode - 480x640 baby!!! Check out the screen shots below, isn't VGA awesome - so much more space!!!
Here are some notes on putting this initial environment together:
1. Have a baseline Microsoft CRM 3.0 environment that is running properly, setup the environment with only Microsoft CRM 3.0 required components as much as possible to minimize trouble-shooting variables down the road.
2. Make sure that someone in your team knows about SSL setup if you are setting up your own Certificate Authority (CA) via Microsoft Certificate Services.
3. Use a good "remote control" PDA tool such as the Pocket Controller Professional from SOTI. This saved us a lot of time!!! I'm able to terminal service into our Microsoft CRM 3.0 test environment running Microsoft CRM 3.0 Mobile and also "remote control" the x51v while being far away from the lab - very cool!
More Microsoft CRM Mobile links:
Lastly, lot of folks asked me what is the big deal about Microsoft CRM Mobile... And my response is that it will be the next practical "must have" technology for the majority of outside field representative roles in the Small Medium Businesses space! Because they can "afford" to implement it now. Welcome any comment if you agree/disagree?
4/3/2006 Convergence 2006: Meeting with Jeff RaikesWow, what a wonderful event - Convergence 2006 rocks! I had a great time meeting with others around the globe that are super passionate about Microsoft CRM as I am - these folks range from Microsoft CRM engineers to Value Added Resellers (VAR). There were a lot of "Love" for Microsoft CRM 3.0!!!
During Convergence, I'd felt like I was in an amusement park - so much to see and play, all the walking back and forth for 4 straight days were worth it, next time I should wear tennis shoes!
The Microsoft CRM General Session with Brad Wilson and David Thacher really showcased the future direction of Microsoft CRM. The big announcement is the new Hosting/Subscription offering! It is here... Salesforce.com better watch-out! It just amazes me how these two Microsoft CRM General Managers have positioned Microsoft CRM 3.0 to be able to serve all three business market segments - Enterprise, Mid-Market and Small Businesses in such a short time frame! My hat is off to you, Brad and David!
Now, it was not all play at Convergence, I did do some work - mind you... I'd co-presented at two Microsoft CRM sessions, one was focused on Microsoft CRM 3.0 Small Business Edition with Sean McNellis and the other was on Microsoft CRM 3.0 Reports with Dana Martens! Sean and Dana are super smart individuals who really know their stuff. They and their teammates are also the ones that help bail-out partners and customers on Microsoft CRM technical issues!!!
Lastly, I was invited to meet Jeff Raikes, President of the Microsoft Business Division. No surprise, we've talked about Microsoft CRM... It was a huge honor to meet Jeff like this, I guessed I had a winning lottery ticket! Jeff is a real down to Earth guy, during his Keynote on Sunday morning, Doug Burgum introduced him as "a farm boy that went to Stanford..." It was very comfortable talking with Jeff, he really listens to you and offers helpful advice when asked. Well, this is a Kodak moment for me, thank you Jeff!
So Jeff, could I get some special seating at the Seattle Mariners baseball games? 3/15/2006 Easier Install: Microsoft CRM 3.0 Less Dependency on Active DirectoryGosh, I've been installing Microsoft CRM since v1.0 (starting with v1.0 Beta in 2002) - All I can say is that 3.0 continues to amaze me on how much easier it is to install and comes with much improved proactive pre-install checks.
For example, here are some observations:
1. Active Directory can be in Mix Mode!!!
2. Microsoft CRM can be installed in any sub-domain within a Domain Forest (no special tweaks needed)
3. The stand alone Windows 2003 Domain Controller(s) does not have to at SP1
I'd recalled back in the days with v1.0 where if you'd missed a step/requirement setup - the whole thing would blow up without much warning... I do not miss those days :-)
3/11/2006 Must Checkout: Microsoft Convergence 2006I'd highly recommend anyone that is serious about Microsoft Dynamics CRM to attend this event. Yours truly will be a speaker for some Microsoft CRM sessions - guess which ones???
Hope to see you all there so we can share good stories about our Microsoft CRM experiences.
Convergence 2006 website:
Convergence 2006 Blogger website:
 3/5/2006 How To: Displaying the Knowledge Base object in Microsoft CRM Outlook ClientHow To: Displaying the Knowledge Base object in Microsoft CRM Outlook Client
This is very helpful when you'd like to access the Knowledge Base from within the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Outlook Client.
1/29/2006 How To: Displaying the Parent Account field from the Microsoft CRM v3.0 contact form in the Outlook 2003 Contacts viewThis is one of the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Customization How To Articles that I've written. My aim is for these articles to be very reader friendly (MSCRM beginners and up) with step by step instructions and lots of screen shots.
How To: Displaying the Parent Account field from the Microsoft CRM v3.0 contact form in the Outlook 2003 Contacts view This is very helpful when you'd like to quickly tell within normal Outlook View which contact is a Microsoft CRM contact. Also good for sorting/cleaning up your regular Outlook contacts and Microsoft CRM Outlook contacts.
1/28/2006 News: My New Microsoft CRM Blog SpaceAlrighty, I will be using this blog space going forward to share my experiences on Microsoft CRM - one of my New Year resolutions!
For a link to my previous Microsoft CRM blog space:
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