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Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Brings Competition to Online CRM Marketplace

By Nathesh
TMCnet Contributor

TotallyCRM, a video blog that helps potential CRM buyers make educated choices, said that the launch of the Microsoft (News - Alert) Dynamics CRM Online has brought competition into the online CRM marketplace.

In order to manage contacts online, aales and marketing professionals have to choose from three options – NetSuite (News - Alert), Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

Microsoft recently launched Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online cloud service globally; the new service delivers new levels of productivity to sales, service and marketing organizations and is available as on-premises and partner-hosted versions. The CRM online supposedly offers familiar, intelligent and connected experiences to users across the organization.

The solution was unveiled to compete with CRM market leader Salesforce.net among other CRM offerings in the cloud.

TotallyCRM commented that the arrival of Microsoft Dynamics CRM online has made the online CRM marketplace only more competitive. There are a number of options out there, and in choosing the right one, sales and marketing professionals really need to consider a number of variables: price, ease of use, and mobile integration.

Microsoft offers new customers a special promotional pricing of $34 per user per month, which  is only set for one year. Only after a year the pricing will increase. On the other side, Salesforce’s Professional and Enterprise editions start at $65 and go up from there. Oracle (News - Alert) CRM starts at $75.

The factor of usability also affects CRM buyers’ considerations. It is mostly agreed by many reviewers that Salesforce offers the highest level of functionality but a myriad of options can sometimes come at a cost, which makes some sales teams prefer a more intuitive, less complicated interface.

A number of sales professionals look for CRM to integrate with their cell phones, portable devices, and e-mail. In the past, companies have spent huge sums on custom development to integrate everything. With the latest CRM on-cloud solutions, that simply is not required.

Officials with Microsoft claimed that until now, Salesforce has been the leader in providing an online CRM solution. Though Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is still new, it offers an affordable alternative to those who want CRM to be integrated with their Outlook e-mail. Also, making it easy for customers and partners to configure and customize Microsoft Dynamics CRM to meet specific business needs, it provides connected experiences through flexible cloud development, Windows Azure interoperability, and contextual Microsoft SharePoint capabilities.

TotallyCRM concluded that it will soon be known whether or not Microsoft will lead the market share for online CRM, and its cloud service now available globally sales gurus will only be scouring the Internet for feedback.