crmlivelab

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 on the iPad ?

2011-02-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

I was messing around with my iPad this evening .. It turns out that mobile express ( Microsofts mobile interface for CRM) will work with your iPad on 2011

They just upgraded my CRM system last week and I decided to test it again on the iPad..

Microsoft CRM 2011 first look video

2010-09-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Eric gives a first look at CRM 2011 and takes an in-depth dive into the great new functionality, including:

New Outlook client
Personalization
Role based forms
Sharepoint document library integration
Customization enhancements
Dialogue scripting
Dashboards and visualizations
Much more
There will be a lot of information coming out about the new functionality available in 2011. This video is a great starting point to see the main new functionality in one place.

You can watch it here: http://www.screencast.com/t/ZTIzYjVmNz

del.icio.us Tags: XRM,Dynamics CRM 2011,Microsoft CRM 2011,CRM 5

Pelagic Solutions Inc. Named to 2010 President’s Club for Microsoft Dynamics

2010-07-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

TORONTO ONTARIO — JULY 12TH 2010 —] Pelagic Solutions Inc. a Microsoft Gold Partner and Dynamics CRM Online Partner has been named to the 2010 President’s Club for Microsoft Dynamics second consecutive year. This achievement is a direct result of pelagic solutions Inc. outstanding dedication to customer satisfaction through the delivery of innovative business solutions.

President’s Club for Microsoft Dynamics honors high-performing Microsoft Dynamics partners whose commitment to customers is reflected in their business success and growth. This prestigious group represents the top 5 percent of Microsoft Dynamics partners worldwide. Membership is granted based on their continual, committed efforts aimed at offering solutions that meet the needs of their customers.

This acknowledgment came during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC), the company’s annual premier partner event, which took place this year in Washington, D.C. WPC provides Microsoft Corp.’s partner community with the largest opportunity to learn about the company’s road map for the upcoming year, establish connections, share best practices, experience the latest product innovations and learn new skills.

“Microsoft is proud to recognize Pelagic Solutions Inc. for its outstanding sales achievement,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president of Microsoft Dynamics Partners. “This honor is a direct reflection of Pelagic Solutions Inc. outstanding group of employees and management team, all of whom should be very proud of this accomplishment. Pelagic Solutions Inc plays a very important role in the growth and success of Microsoft Dynamics.”

Pelagic Solutions Inc. is a consulting and professional services firm specializing in the implementation and sale of Microsoft Online Services products. These products include Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and Microsoft Business Professional Online Suite (BPOS). As Microsoft Gold certified partner, Pelagic Solutions. brings together a world-class team of Microsoft-certified Business Solution Specialists, Technical Associates, System Architects, Software Developers and Network Specialists who define, design and deploy Microsoft Dynamics CRM products. By working closely with the teams at Microsoft, Pelagic Solutions Inc. maintains a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics platform in order to provide leading-edge solutions, services and unparalleled value to Microsoft Dynamics customers. Previous honors include the prestigious 2008 Microsoft Distinction in Marketing Award, 2009 Canadian Impact Award nominee and 2009 Presidents Club Honors

We are extremely pleased to be named to the 2010 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club,” said Steven Bowles, President, Pelagic Solutions Inc. Our license revenue has increased 42% over last year and our services revenue has almost tripled since 2009 fiscal year. We attribute our market success to Microsoft's commitment to Online Services for both Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and BPOS (Business Professional Office Suite).
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Microsoft CRM 4.0 running out of Firefox?

2009-11-18T05:03:00.000-08:00

Blog reposted (for original blog click here)
Dynamics CRM in Firefox? You Betcha!

Have you ever tried to use the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 web client in Firefox and received a scary screen that looked something like this?

After witnessing such a horrific screen did you immediately resign yourself to the fact that you would be forced into using IE? Did you shed a tear when you had to put away your trusted Firefox friend? While that may have previously been the case, the fine folks over at Mozdev have developed handy plug in extension for Firefox that makes use of the IE rendering engine, making it possible to run Dynamics CRM in the Firefox browser. Madness you say? Believe it!

So, intrepid navigator of the blogosphere, how can you experience Dynamics CRM on your Firefox browser? First you will need to install the IE Tab extension. Mozdev is a trusted, open source developer/hoster of Mozilla extensions and plug-ins so do not fear you are installing unknown and potentially malicious software. The download will contain an XPI file. To install the extension, simply drag the file into your Firefox browser window.

After downloading and installing the IE Tab extension, open your Firefox browser and point it towards your CRM site du-jour. You will see that nasty, “broken” screen again, but fear not! You are only a right-click away from salvation! Simply select the View Page in IE Tab option. Alternatively, you can click the small Firefox icon in the lower-right side of the page.

After selecting that option, the IE Tab extension will go to work, displaying the page in question through the IE Rendering Engine. Do not adjust your monitors. The image below truly is Dynamics CRM 4.0 running in Firefox!

The IE Tab Extension also allows you to set a list of websites that will automatically display using the IE rendering engine. This eliminates the need to right click and select “View Page In IE Tab” each time you visit a website. You can add your CRM web address to this list of websites along with Windows Updates Sites and other sites that are not Firefox Friendly. To access this saved list of websites, right click the Firefox button in the lower-right hand corner of the browser window and add away using the supplied menu!

The IE Tab really is a wonderful extension that will allow you to experience the amazing abilities of Microsoft Dyanmics CRM 4.0 in the browser of your choice. This extension, as you may have guessed, is not only a CRM tool. The IE Tab extension can be used to display any webpages that natively run on the IE Rendering Engine. Imagine performing Windows Updates through your Firefox Browser! What once was considered impossible is now reality thanks to this handy extension!

As a side note... this seems to only work for the on premise version CRM 4.0, I've yet to get it to work for CRM Online.

Steve

Pelagic Solutions in the News!

2009-10-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Redmond partner channel magazine just published an article on Pelagic Solutions for the November magazine .

You can view it online at:

http://rcpmag.com/articles/2009/11/01/racking-up-online-deals.aspx

Pelagic Solutions begins its new Customer Workshop series

2009-10-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

We at Pelagic Solutions understand the importance of getting the most out of your technology investments. That's why we're introducing our Customer Workshop Series...

Our web-based interactive sessions will give you the opportunity to learn about important aspects and capabilities of your Microsoft Dynamics CRM system. We'll focus on key topics like: Workflow, Email Templates, Sales Quoting, Marketing Campaigns, and more. Learn from the experts.

Stay tuned for more details!

Customer Workshop Series
Learn from the Experts

Watch for registration information for our first few sessions:

Date Topic
Wed. October 28, 2009 Workflow: Automated Tasks & Emails
Wed. November 11, 2009 Email Templates & Mail Merge
Wed. December 16, 2009 Advanced Find & List Management

Time: 1:30 pm EST
Duration: One hour
Cost: $75 per person

Have suggestions for other workshop topics?

Pelagic Solutions Reaches Gold Partner Status!

2009-10-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

Pelagic solutions is now gold partner. Focusing exclusively on Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Mail Merge for quotes

2009-05-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

I wanted to update you and have you take a look at the below link. This helps to describe how to code a mail merge to allow the functionality for Quotes from CRM.

http://dmcrm.blogspot.com/2008/01/word-mail-merge-one-page-quote-with.html

Entellium executives face fraud charges

2008-10-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

wow .. big day in the saas CRM world ..
I know if I was an Entellium customer , I would definitely be looking to move over to a trusted company like Microsoft... at least they don't overstate there revenue...

E-mail router configuration videos

2008-09-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a cool little video on how to configure the e-mail router for Dynamic CRM 4.0
You would use a similar process for CRM Online.

http://video.mikelu.org/emailrouterpop3/emailrouterpop3.html

Cheers
CRM Guru..

Pelagic Solutions Inc. Wins the Microsoft 2008 Distinction in Marketing Award

2008-07-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

Toronto, Ontario Canada –Pelagic Solutions Inc. Wins the Microsoft 2008 Distinction in Marketing Award

July 17th 2008, Toronto, Ontario -Pelagic Solutions Inc. today announces it’s the recipient of the prestigious Microsoft Distinction in Marketing Award.

The 2008 Microsoft Distinction in Marketing Awards has been granted to companies who were able to demonstrate a focused marketing campaign for various Microsoft Dynamics products. Recipients were selected from nominations, winners were chosen by members of the Microsoft corporate Dynamics marketing team staff based on marketing objectives, plans and results deployed in the FY2008.

Pelagic Solutions was granted the award for its work associated with marketing of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

for more information please visit www.crmonlinelab.com

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Videos

2008-06-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Dynamics CRM online resources to help make your trial or implementation easy. In this blog posting you will find a series of links that will take you to various videos to help you get started quickly and easily on setting up your Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online System

2 – 5 minute recorded demos:
Basic Setup to Get Started: On your first login to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online you will be prompted to choose the currency of choice for you business. This short video will help you make the right choice for your business. Watch video

Configure Your System to Meet Your Needs: System configuration is a critical first step in making sure that Microsoft CRM Online is ready for your users – and that your users are ready for it. The configuration videos will walk you through the step-by-step process of making sure that everything is ready for your business and your users, including settings that will determine time zones and currencies appropriate for your company. Please see this video http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=25049040-7981-4673-9e59-e0fba0a97467
Set Up Your Organization: Before you start using Microsoft CRM Online, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the system’s vocabulary to ensure its compatible with yours. This includes, for example, determining and defining the difference between accounts, clients, contacts and leads. To learn more about how to establish these in a way that’s optimal for your business, please see this video http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=a5f4d7fa-57cb-4601-8d38-cccd6768a676 on organizational setup for Microsoft CRM Online.

Download the CRM Outlook Client. *** If you are using Business Contact Manager, you will need to un-install before downloading the Outlook Client.*** If you are using Outlook, the plug-in below puts the CRM functionality directly into the Outlook application. Your CRM users can choose to use the CRM web application, CRM within Outlook, or both in their day-to-day activities.
Outlook Client
Outlook Client Install Guide

Outlook Configuration: One of the most compelling features of Microsoft CRM Online is its inherent compatibility with Microsoft Outlook, one of the world’s most commonly used and familiar e-mail and contact management programs. To learn more about how to configure your system so that it works best with the way you use Microsoft Outlook, please see this video http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=ac41a762-bf60-458b-8c4a-81cd4334d031 for optimal Outlook configuration.

Import Customer Data: A CRM system is only as valuable as the data behind it. Therefore Microsoft CRM Online makes it simple and quick for you to import the customer data that drives your business success. To learn more about how to import your customer data – and avoid the pitfall of having to spend time on repetitive data entry – please see this video http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=4e0c3b8b-02dc-49e5-9182-a86f710b3c6c to determine what format your data is in and how to most quickly and easily import it into Microsoft CRM Online.

Migrate data. Your organization may also wish to input in real customer data in the CRM Online application. To help you do so, Microsoft makes available the CRM 4.0 Data Migration Manager (DMM). Also available for download at the link below:
Data Migration Manager

Use Sample Data. You’ll need to download the sample data and run the Data Migration Manager to import the data.
Data Migration Manager
Sample Data (On-Premise Edition) – This sample data works with CRM Online with the exception of the user records. Simply assign to users during the import then reassign if necessary.

Here’s a blog post that will show how to use the DMM. http://blogs.msdn.com/dynamicscrmonline/archive/2008/05/08/data-migration-manager-video.aspx

Invite Users to access the organization’s CRM Online site. Here’s how:
From within CRM Online:
• Settings => Administration => Users => Select the “New” button. (The Settings button can be found at the lower left hand corner of CRM Online.)
• Select the Security Role(s) for the user you plan add and click “Next”
• Enter the applicable First name, Last name and E-mail Address (Windows Live ID) of the user(s) and click “Next”
• Select the “Add new users and send invitations now” option and select “Create New Users”
• Repeat these steps for new users

On-demand Tutorials
Overview
http://www.democrmonline.com/overview

Sales Overview
http://www.democrmonline.com/salesreview/

On-demand Demos – Some users can not hear audio
User Experience 5/2/08 1hr: Recording URL: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/view
Recording ID: QW9MJ9
Attendee Key: xW'}3%|6K
• An overview of the capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online
• Seamless integration with Microsoft Outlook
• Using Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online to "centralize customer information", "standardize business processes" and "realize greater business visibility and insight"
• Resources available to assist you during your Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online evaluation.

System Administrator Experience 5/2/08 1hr: Recording URL: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/view
Recording ID: 7QJ945
Attendee Key: xW'}3%|6K
• General System Settings (Users, Security Roles)
• Data Management (Importing Leads, Adding Fields, Adding Relationships)
• Configuring the user interface
• Using workflow to automate business processes
• Creating and editing system views to generate reports including Excel
• Resources available to assist you during your Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online evaluation

Video - 1-888-TRASH-IT! (Length 2:01)
The founder of a full-service debris removal company discusses the advantages of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online to his company. The cost-effectiveness of the solution, ease of implementation as well as security are key factors in their choice of Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
Customer facing link:
http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0805/33101/CRM_Trashit_final_MBR.asx

Free Support
Available from 8:00AM – 8:00PM CST via 877-CRM-CHOICE (276-2464); e-mail support for Professional and E-mail and Phone support for Professional Plus

see www.crmonlinelab.com for more great tips.

Video of the data migration manager

2008-05-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a great little video for people interested in using the data migration manager for Microsoft CRM Online

http://channel9.msdn.com/Showpost.aspx?postid=369871

The video was developed by John O'Donnell

For more valuable tips and help with your CRM online deployment. see www.crmonlinelab.com

Extensibility Features Live vs. On-Premise in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

2008-04-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the extensibility Features Live vs. On-Premise in Microsoft CRM

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc299424.aspx

Microsoft renames CRM Live to 'CRM Online'

2008-03-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

Microsoft is changing the name of its on-demand CRM (customer relationship management) offering to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, according to a company official.
The product was previously called CRM Live. Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, said in an e-mailed statement that the name change is meant to separate Microsoft's consumer lines from its offerings for businesses.

In response to the branding change, CRM Live Lab will also change its site name and URL to CRM ONLINE LAB to reinforce Microsoft's online brand. http://www.crmonlinelab.com/

These changes will take place over the next couple weeks.

How to add a new user to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live

2008-02-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Here's another quick video on how to add a new user to Microsoft Dynamics CRM LIVE - Early Access II.

For more videos and instructional training, see www.crmlivelab.com

How-to Instructional Video: Installing the Outlook Client for Microsoft CRM LIVE

2008-02-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

As part of our commitment to our customers, CRMLIVE Labs will be producing a series of tips and tricks for Microsoft dynamics CRM LIVE over the coming months.

Tip 001 -Installing the Microsoft Office Outlook Client

Here's a little video I put together to help individuals install the Microsoft CRM LIVE Outlook Client on their desktops.

Thanks again for being our customer...

crmguru@crmlivelab.com

http://www.crmlivelab.com/

CRM LIVE LAB is LIVE!

2008-02-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update,

CRM live labs is live and on the air .. We will be testing the site and completing the transaction engine over the next two weeks .

We have created six training labs with six instructor-led training classes in each.

Sales Rep Role

Sales Manager Role

Marketing Manager

CSR Customer Service Representative

CSR Manager

CRM Administrator

I just completed and published the "The Three Faces of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, understanding Microsoft’s CRM deployment choices”. The purpose of this paper is to help organizations with understand the Microsoft CRM 4.0 delivery options.

You can download this from our site : http://www.crmlivelab.com/white_papers.asp

posted by crmguru@crmlivelab.com

Partner Hosted CRM and LIVE CRM definitely has its benefits!

2008-01-24T19:11:00.000-08:00

Most companies know they need it and many have looked into CRM applications over the years to better manage their business. Getting into the CRM mix can be difficult though, with substantial costs in software, infrastructure and, with ongoing resource costs for some are not a possibility. Many have developed homegrown applications that meet only a portion of their needs or they use excel spreadsheets to manage customer interactions. This is not the most efficient or secure way to run your business so let’s look at LIVE CRM and its benefits.

Microsoft’s release of LIVE CRM will provide more options to the small and mid size companies. It is all about the “Power of Choice” which means an offering of the following services: On Premise, Partner Hosted or LIVE CRM. One of the benefits is giving customers the flexibility to switch between deployment models as their needs change and evolve.

LIVE CRM will be integrated with Microsoft’s Windows Live and Office Live—online services geared toward small businesses. The Microsoft LIVE CRM service will share the same configuration tools used in on-premises CRM and hosted CRM offered by partners. Let’s look below at the top reasons why a company would choose LIVE CRM.

Top 12 reasons for choosing Microsoft Dynamics Live CRM or Partner Hosted Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Low upfront costs and low monthly payment plan per user.

Reliable solution geared toward small and mid market businesses.

Companies do not have to worry about an infrastructure.

Comfortable web based environment – if you are already running MSN then you have already been introduced to the MS live environment

Companies who have a limited number of people who need to use crm.

LIVE CRM will be up and running quickly so if you are a growing company who eventually will need on premise , this will be a good solution.

Peace of mind with continual software upgrades as Microsoft releases them.

Integration into MS office products for easy exports to Excel and MS Word.

Runs out of Microsoft Outlook - no need to manage multiple calendars and inboxes.

Reduced training costs- if you are using Outlook today then the learning curve is cut by 50%.

Offers a multi language and multi currency offering should your business require it.

With LIVE CRM, companies can sign on and test drive the software before deploying it.

As you can see there are many benefits to LIVE CRM but it is always important to look at your options, do your homework and choose the best solution for your company, LIVE CRM is just one of many.

CRMGURU@CRMLIVELAB.com

Visit us at http://www.crmlivelab.com/

Does the pizza man need fancy CRM software to sell?

2008-01-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

The other day, after picking him up from his part-time job, my son and I were looking for something to grab for dinner. I was heading to our regular pizza shop, when my son suggested that we try someplace new.

The place he suggested was a tiny hole-in-the-wall pizza joint in a strip plaza. I had never seen an advertisement for, or heard of, this place.
It was approximately 10:30 at night; we walked in the door and stood in line behind 4 other patrons. I was amazed at how busy the place was; the location wasn’t convenient: far from bars, the mall, or any form of evening entertainment. The pizza was not necessarily all that good, and the sanitation was somewhat substandard. There were also 15 other large franchise pizza facilities within 2 miles of this place, in seemingly better locations. So why were people lining up?

My son ushered me over to a large wall full of pictures of students his age. The owner had taken the pictures when the students dropped in for lunch and at other times throughout the day.

That's when it dawned on me; that’s why we are here because of these students .The owner of the establishment had built a sales force of students who bring their parents in. In exchange for bringing their parents, the students get a sense of community, their picture on the wall and possibly a student discount.

What's brilliant about it, no fancy technology, no expensive advertising, no gimmicks or coupons: just simple networking and viral marketing.

I tip my hat to that pizza man. He chose to embrace the students instead of, like other establishments, send them away. As a result, he built a customer base to generate more income in addition to his lunchtime revenue.

As a professional technology salesman, this is a simple reminder that, as good as I think all my technology tools are: they are only tools. CRM stands for “customer relationship management”. Ultimately it's the people that build the relationships.

Steve
Certified Microsoft Dynamics CRM Business Professional
crmguru@crmlivelab.com

We can now offer partner hosted Microsoft CRM and SharePoint

2008-01-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

CRM Live Labs and Pelagic Solutions now provides hosting and select complimentary services that allow Executives, Information Workers and IT professionals to realize the full potential of Microsoft CRM to perform in their roles. CRM Live Labs and Pelagic Solutions has a goal to maximize the end customer’s potential with their selected solutions. Hosting can provide a critical link between the seller, the buyer and technology. Software and hardware is increasingly more complex, and as a part of our value proposition to our customers, we provide hosting as a way to assure the whole business solution provides tremendous value. We have carefully identified an Microsoft HSP (Hosting Solution Partner) partner with CRM hosting capabilities within our domain expertise.

We are truly now able to offer the power of choice

Microsoft Dynamics CRM - On premise
Microsoft dynamic CRM - Partner Hosted
Microsoft Dynamics LIVE CRM

Our hosted sites average uptime of 99.99% per year and is fully secure.

for more information drop by our website at http://www.crmlivelab.com/