Question: Where can I find a Microsoft Dynamics CRM user manual / training materials?
Answer: Microsoft have provided some fantastic documentation and training videos which can be accessed via the “Resource Center” area within CRM 2011. There are also some great resources provided online at www.democrmonline.com

Question:Can I use the free trial within Outlook?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. You need to be using Outlook 2003 SP3, Outlook 2007 or Outlook 2010 first. To get up and running, download the CRM 2011 Outlook client (links are provided on our CRM Resources page) and then run through the configuration wizard to connect it to your CRM Online trial site. Feel free to give us a call on 0114 286 6335 if you need any assistance with this.

Question: What if I subscribe to CRM Online, but later decide that I would prefer to host the software on-premise?
Answer: CRM 2011 works in the same way whether you choose to an Online, On-Premise or Partner-hosted implementation. The product is very flexible, and so it is possible to move between these options easily.

Question: How long is the CRM 2011 Online free trial?
Answer: The CRM 2011 free trial is for 30-days. After this, subscription costs just £29.50/user per month.

Question: How long is the contract for?
Answer: The CRM 2011 Online initial subscription term is 12 months.

Question: Is it possible to have a CRM 2011 Online demonstration?
Answer: Yes, we’d be delighted to show you around the system remotely and discuss how it could best work for your business. Simply contact us to arrange this.

Question: My data is currently stored in spreadsheets / other CRM / database systems. Is it possible to import it into Dynamics CRM?
Answer: Yes. There are several ways to do this, depending upon what format the data is currently in. Have a read through the information in the Resource Centre within CRM itself, or call us to talk through your unique situation in more detail.

Question: I need some help customising the system to meet my requirements. Can you help?
Answer: We would be delighted to. As a <a href=”http://www.thecrmbusiness.com”>UK-based Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics CRM Partner</a> we offer a range of services, from intensive “Quick-start” packages to bespoke consultancy and training. Please contact us to discuss your needs and request a quote.

Question: How can I ensure that my CRM 2011 Outlook client has the latest updates applied?
Answer: Microsoft CRM 2011 client updates are distributed via Windows Update. To ensure that you are up to date, simply run Windows Update on your local machine.

Question: I already have a CRM 2011 subscription, but need some assistance. Can you help?
Answer: We’d love to. We specialise purely in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and so are well-placed to help you out. From helping you get to grips to the basics through to building complex integrations with your existing systems, we have the experience. We also have a good track record in rescuing failed CRM projects. Please contact us to discuss the options available to you.

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Like any new system, you will need to invest some time in learning how the new system works. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 utilises Microsoft’s familiar ribbon interface, which makes this learning curve much easier. If you know how to use Microsoft Office, you’re already most of the way there.

As one of the UK’s leading Microsoft CRM partners, we have worked with many customers taking the first steps getting to grips with Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

To help you get the most from the trial, we recommend that you:

1. Install the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Outlook client (latest links are always on our Microsoft Dynamics CRM Resources page). This enables you to use your Dynamics CRM trial system right within Outlook, including the ability to track emails and synchronise your data.
2. Import some of your existing data (accounts and contacts, for instance) to help make the trial system more relevant for your business.
3. Watch the introductory Dynamics CRM Training videos.
4. Involve your colleagues! Having people across multiple areas of your business trialling the areas of the system relevant to them will provide a better experience than trying to understand everything single-handedly. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online allows up to 20 users on the 30-day trial. Learn how to add users.
5. Learn how to assign and share records.
6. Find out how to query your data and create your own custom views using Advanced Find.
7. Don’t be afraid to experiment! The trial system is yours to play around with to learn how the different features work, and how it might meet your needs.
8. Personalise CRM, to make it more relevant to your world.
9. Add The CRM Business as your chosen partner, and claim your 4 hours FREE Microsoft Dynamics CRM consultancy. A member of our team will work with you to show you around the system and understand how it can be customised to meet your requirements.
10. Take a look at CRM Mobile Express, and learn how to access your CRM data from your mobile devices. CRM Online includes Mobile Express as standard, allowing you to access CRM from your HTML 4 compliant mobile devices including Windows Phone, Blackberry, Android, iPhone, iPad and many more.

Still looking for more tips? Check out the Resource Centre within CRM itself, or subscribe to our newsletter. Alternatively please contact us – we’d love to chat through your requirements.

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Microsoft CRM updates are released periodically to address issues and to improve performance and platform stability. As well as improvements on the server side, updates are also provided for the Outlook CRM client to address known issues and improve performance.

Update rollup 3 for CRM 2011 and CRM Online clients will be applied automatically by Windows Update commencing 9th August 2011. Customers wishing to install this update sooner can do so by downloading it manually. Download links for this and other resources can be found on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Resources page of our website.

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Links to download this and all other Microsoft CRM updates can be found on our CRM Resources page.

In order to remain up to date, we recommend that customers with both on-premise and hosted systems apply the Microsoft CRM rollup updates to their machines periodically. If you are unsure, please contact us to discuss your individual situation.

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Since the launch of CRM Online in January 2011, customers have been taking advantage of Microsoft’s introductory offers including discounted subscription pricing of just £22.75/user per month for the first year and an upfront cash payment of £134/user to customers moving from other qualifying CRM systems (such as Salesforce, ACT and Oracle).

These offers are due to expire on 30th June 2011, and whilst the new price of £29.50/user per month still offers fantastic value for money, we encourage businesses considering a CRM Online solution in the near future to act now to secure the introductory pricing for the next 12 months.

For example, for a business qualifying for the switcher offer (e.g moving from Salesforce to Microsoft CRM) looking to move 25 users to Dynamics CRM Online:

Up to 30th June:
25 licences @ £22.75/month for the first year = £6825
Cash payment from Microsoft switcher offer (£134*25) = – £3350
In effect, this makes the total cost of the first year’s licences for 25 users just £3475, which equates to just £11.58/user per month for the first year!

After the introductory offers expire on 30th June, Microsoft CRM Online pricing will revert to £29.50/user per month.

Contact us today to discuss how to begin the transition and take advantage of this fantastic offer.

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Our consultants will spend up to 4 hours working with you for FREE to demonstrate how CRM Online could work for your business. Learn more about this Microsoft CRM Online Offer or contact us now to get started today.

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Users of Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be pleased to know that both Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 (with Rollup 16 installed) and the newly-released CRM 2011 (inc. CRM Online) are compatible with IE9.

Download links for Internet Explorer 9 and all of the Dynamics CRM client downloads and patches are available on our regularly updated CRM resources page.

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This full day event at our Electric Works, Sheffield offices on 11th May 2011 promises to be an informative day out for businesses considering Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (including CRM Online) following the successful launch earlier this year. Alongside a keynote speech from Microsoft and product demonstrations from our own team of Microsoft certified professionals we will also be offering complimentary relaxing spa treatments to attendees and giving away an Xbox 360 on the day – because work doesn’t have to be stressful!

There will be plenty of networking opportunities, and Microsoft certified CRM professionals on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Learn more about this free Dynamics CRM event and register now.

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