What's New with Microsoft CRM 4.0

Improved end-user benefits

User interface improvements make Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 even easier to use and make it simpler to complete tasks with fewer clicks. And when end users have tools that are easy to use, it not only means they can work more efficiently, it helps make them happier in their work.

New benefits to end users include AutoComplete, so they don't have to type the same information over and over; faster searching; support for bulk execution and closure of campaigns; and improved mail merge. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 also enables users to customize their Navigation Pane to give them fast access to information they need and data relevant to their specific work role.

Other refinements include tools to create reports from their CRM data without IT support; advanced functionality that enables users to create, find, and implement workflows; more consistent offline user experience with offline reporting and customization; and improved synchronization.

Dynamic Data Connections in Microsoft Office Excel

Work in Office Excel with a dynamic connection to CRM data.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 supports dynamic data connections with Office Excel spreadsheet software so users can work with CRM data using familiar productivity tools. Users can import dynamic CRM data into Office Excel from Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and refresh it from live CRM data while they work using easily accessible controls in the Microsoft Office ribbon. This allows them to take advantage of the data analysis tools of Office Excel for work with their CRM data.

Greater support for global business

Many companies require the ability to work in multiple languages and currencies whether globally or within their own geographical area. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 client provides improved support for multiple languages and currencies, making multinational deployments for Microsoft Dynamics CRM much easier.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 supports multi-language deployments, so users can work and share data seamlessly in the language of their choice. Users can also create and store reports in their native language. And reports can also easily be shared between users working in multiple languages.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 also allows transactions to be recorded in localized currencies. The CRM system maintains a list of international exchange rates and automatically converts currency amounts to a base currency for reporting purposes.

Flexible hosting scenarios with multi-tenant installations

Many CRM scenarios require an organization to support multiple groups of CRM software users while keeping their data distinct. For example, a hosting company may have multiple customers using Microsoft Dynamics CRM, or a company with an affiliate model might require each affiliate to keep their data separate from the others.

In the past, a separate server installation of CRM was required for each customer. With Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, which is built on a multi-tenant architecture, organizations can run multiple distinct instances of Microsoft Dynamics CRM on a single server.

Because Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 supports multiple instances of the product installed on the same physical hardware, multiple customers or business organizations can have their own distinct Microsoft Dynamics CRM implementation. This not only makes it easier to manage those customers, it makes better use of server hardware and improves overall operations costs.

Improved availability, performance, and scalability

Businesses want their CRM data accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 includes significant enhancements to availability, performance, and scalability to ensure that your CRM data is available when it's needed, without interruption.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 supports clustering for solution components, including Microsoft Exchange Server, CRM Web Services, and load balancing. The e-mail router has received several performance and scalability enhancements, including parallel processing of inboxes and better support for enterprise deployment scenarios. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 also has better performance in Wide Area Network (WAN) environments, transferring only the data that needs to be transferred over slow connections. With support for SQL Server mirroring, an additional copy of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM database is maintained, so that in case of database failure, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM system can switch databases automatically and with minimal disruption.