Ryan Toenies

Microsoft Announces General Availability of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

2008-04-22T13:07:00Z

Microsoft has officially launched their on-demand CRM solution called Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. Microsoft points out some very compelling statistics when comparing SalesForce.com vs. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online delivers more capabilities at a better price than competing on-demand products, driving higher business productivity while reducing risk and total cost of ownership. For example, based on publicly available information from Salesforce.com, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Professional Edition gives businesses the following:

5 GB of storage versus 1 GB in Salesforce.com Professional Edition
100 workflows versus none in Salesforce.com Professional Edition
100 configurable entities versus 50 in Salesforce.com Professional Edition
Significant cost savings and a dramatically lower total cost of ownership at $44 per user, per month versus $65 per user per month or more for Salesforce.com Professional Edition.

Official Microsoft Press Release:
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/apr08/04-22DynamicsCRMOnlinePR.mspx

:: Ryan ::

April 2008 - CRM User Group

2008-04-17T18:26:00Z

A big THANKS to everyone who attended our CRM User group today. We had great attendance and participation. I hope everyone found the content useful and learned some things that can be used within your own business. As promised, I am providing a link to the PowerPoint that contained the announcements we discussed during the User Group. Please feel free to respond to this blog post with ideas for upcoming user group sessions.

April 2008 - CRM User Group Presentation

:: Ryan ::

VIDEO: Microsoft Dynamics CRM - Bulk Edit Feature

2008-04-02T00:39:00Z

Learn how to use the "Edit" feature of Microsoft Dynamics CRM to bulk edit CRM records.

Video: Microsoft Dynamics CRM - Bulk Edit Feature

Length: 02:30

:: Ryan ::

Microsoft Dynamics Community

2008-04-01T20:24:00Z

Are you looking for a way to connect with your peers who are in like positions at other companies using similiar technologies? Microsoft has created a website called the Microsoft Dynamics Community. This website contains blogs, forums, networking, and executive insights all surrounding the Microsoft Dynamics product lines. I would encourage you to subscribe to the content on this website and be an active participant in the Dynamics Community. Make your voice heard and provide valuable feedback on the Dynamics Products and asks questions of the product development teams.

Website: community.dynamics.com

Refer your co-workers and build a strong Community!

:: Ryan ::

Inetium's Parent Company Acquires Avtex

2008-04-01T14:41:00Z

Pohlad Family of Companies Acquires Avtex

Third company in IT acquisition plan

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Pohlad family of companies has expanded its information technology (IT) holdings for the third time in two years with the addition of Avtex, Inc., a unified communications solution provider based in Minneapolis.

The deal closed today. Terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1971, Avtex designs, installs and supports technology needed for call centers and customer contact centers, as well as IP telephony systems and other messaging applications for businesses. The company has grown rapidly by providing premise based and hosted unified communications solutions that bring together telephone, email, text messaging and call centers into a single, highly secure customer contact system that transcends traditional phone and data systems.

Under Pohlad ownership, Avtex will operate as a separate company, retaining its current headquarters location and all of its 100 employees, including its senior management team. Since 1998, Avtex has acquired five companies to expand its services and geographic reach. Most recently it acquired Perimeter Technology of Georgia, expanding its southeast operations.

“We think Avtex is a great fit, since they have both a strong management team and excellent growth potential,” said Dave Johnson, chief technology officer for the Pohlad family of companies.

“We’ve been successful growing to this point as a standalone entity, but to take the next leap, we need a partner like the Pohlad organization,” said Bob Denman, Avtex president. “It’s a nice match for us, at the right time, given our shared interest in capitalizing on the significant marketplace opportunities we seek to increase service offerings and geographic reach. It’s also great news for our customers and employees, who will both benefit from this move.”

Johnson indicated that acquiring Avtex fits with an important marketplace trend. “Unified communications is the fastest-growing segment of the IT industry because it brings together all of the forms of communications that were separate in the past. It’s a very exciting business for us to be in,” he said.

The acquisition also rounds out the three-pronged IT strategy the Pohlad organization has been pursuing in the managed services IT arena, Johnson said. In 2006, the Pohlad organization acquired Inetium, a Minneapolis-based IT firm that focuses on improving business productivity through IT strategy, solutions and services. In July 2007, it acquired Arcadia Solutions, a Boston-based IT consulting firm specializing in the deployment, benchmarking and optimization of emerging business technologies in the health care, financial service and high technology industries.

“We can start to provide IT solutions across all three companies. Arcadia does the high level analytics that help companies understand their customers. Inetium does the installation of customer relationship management and workforce automation systems,” Johnson said. “And now Avtex provides the underlying communications platform and application expertise to bring it all together.”

About Avtex – Avtex provides multimedia contact center, enterprise-wide communications solutions and emergency notification solutions. A Microsoft Certified Gold Partner and Interactive Intelligence Platinum Partner, Avtex has a staff of software developers, systems engineers, network engineers, system design consultants, project managers, customer support personnel and field technicians that are trained, certified and specialize in mission critical applications. Based in Minneapolis, Avtex supports over 650 customers across the United States and in six countries. In addition to Minneapolis, Avtex has offices in Milwaukee and Appleton, Wis., Des Moines, Iowa, Omaha, Neb., Cincinnati, Ohio and Atlanta, Ga. To reach Avtex, call 800.323.3639 or visit http://www.avtex.com

About the Pohlad family of companies - The Carl R. Pohlad family holdings include significant interests in financial services, beverage, entertainment and real estate industries, as well as ownership of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball team.

Contacts

Lilja Inc. for the Pohlad family of companies
Media Contacts:
Mary Lilja, 952-893-7140
mcl@lilja.com
or
Avtex, Inc.
Jolene Peters, Marketing Director, 952-832-3725
jpeters@avtex.com

:: Ryan ::

CRM Live becomes Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

2008-03-31T14:58:00Z

In recent months, Microsoft has launched the new Online brand, with tremendous investment in and focus around on-demand technology for business users. Whereas the Live brand is focused on consumers and small businesses, the Online brand is fully aligned with Microsoft's existing Microsoft Dynamics CRM strategy of delivering outstanding solutions for small businesses, midsized companies, and large enterprises. As a result, Microsoft will be launching the new service as Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

www.dynamics.com

:: Ryan ::

Inetium Announces: Microsoft Dynamics Online CRM Deployment Services

2008-03-19T18:42:00Z

Inetium is launching an Accelerated CRM Deployment offering for customers interested in Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. This Accelerated Deployment offering is intended to provide customers with a quick approach to implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online while adhering to CRM Implementation Best Practices.

Contact:
sales@inetium.com
952.646.0800

Download Program Details:
Inetium's Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Accelerated Deployment

Learn More About Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online:
http://crm.dynamics.com/

:: Ryan ::

Convergence 2008 Keynotes

2008-03-14T19:41:00Z

If you missed the Microsoft Convergence Conference or simply were sleeping in while Keynotes were going on you can view the keynote speeches online.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/convergence/default.mspx

Mark your calendars for Convergence 2009 in New Orleans the week of March 9th.

:: Ryan ::

Signup for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live

2008-01-24T18:30:00Z

Microsoft is now accepting registrations for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live. Signup today and get access to the Early Access II program. Take advantage of the powerful CRM integration for Microsoft Outlook by signing up for the program and then installing the CRM for Outlook client.

Step 1: Register For CRM Live: http://crm.dynamics.com/

Step 2: Microsoft confirms registration and accepts your regisration

Step 3: Create your CRM Live account

Step 4: Gain access to CRM Live using Microsoft Internet Explorer

Step 5: Take full advantage of CRM Live by using Microsoft CRM for Microsoft Office Outlook (Download: Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live Early Access II for Microsoft Office Outlook)

NOTE: If you get accepted into the program you will be required to enter your Credit Card payment information. You will NOT be charged for this service during the Early Access program. Once the program ends you will have the option to continue using CRM Live or discontinue the service.

:: Ryan ::

c360 Upgrade Process for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

2008-01-24T16:30:00Z

c360 has released an important Upgrade Document for companies that own c360 modules for Microsoft Dynamics CRM and wish to upgrade from CRM v3.0 to CRM v4.0.

It is very important that this document is reviewed prior to upgrading if you own c360 modules.

>> Download File <<

:: Ryan ::

Convergence Registration - Early Bird Ending

2008-01-10T18:36:00Z

Microsoft Convergence - Early Bird Registration Ends on January 11th.

Existing Customer Registration: https://microsoft.crgevents.com/Convergence2008/Register/Login/authorization.aspx

Prospect Registration: https://microsoft.crgevents.com/Convergence2008/Register/Login/prospect.aspx

:: Ryan ::

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 - What's New?

2007-12-18T04:09:00Z

Microsoft released to manufacturing this past weekend their new Dynamics CRM 4.0 application. This is very exciting news for CRM customers and anyone looking to implement a CRM software solution. Microsoft has put together an excellent document that discusses what features are new with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0.

>> Download File <<

:: Ryan ::

Microsoft Dynamics - Everyone Gets It.

2007-11-29T20:22:00Z

Microsoft has released a new Dynamics marketing campaign - "Everyone Gets It." I think they hit this one right on the head. This campaign definitely speaks to the advantage of Microsoft Dynamics over competitive product offerings. I encourage you to visit the website and listen to the videos.

http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/everyonegetsit

:: Ryan ::

UPDATED: Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2008 - Registration Opens December 4th

2007-11-09T16:03:00Z

Convergence 2008 Orlando

In 2008, the Convergence event leads us to the southeastern portion of the U.S. in beautiful Orlando, Florida and the Orange County Convention Center. Go inside Convergence Orlando to learn more about what the premier Microsoft Dynamics event can do for you! While attending the event you can expect to receive critical information related to your business solution through various channels: Product Tracks, Networking, Attendee Services, Learning Center and much more.

Ballmer to speak at Convergence 2008 Orlando

After attending his first Convergence event in San Diego this past March, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was impressed by the unique opportunity Convergence provides Microsoft employees, partners and customers to come together and interact. Mr. Ballmer is already slated to deliver the opening keynote at Convergence 2008 in Orlando.

Registration - Microsoft Dynamics Convergence

March 11-14, 2008

Orange County Convention Center

Orlando, Florida, USA

Registration will open December 4th, 2007

Early Price = $1,195 – Before Jan. 11

Regular Price = $1,495

Group Discount = $100 off 3rd and more

Day Pass = $650

Expo Pass = $100

www.microsoft.com/convergence

:: Ryan ::

Zune 2.0 - November 13th

2007-11-06T12:50:00Z

No, this has nothing to do with Microsoft CRM. No, this has no true business value. Yes, I drink the Microsoft kool-aid. ;-)

Zune 2.0 is HERE! One year after Microsoft entered the realm of MP3 music players the Zune family is releasing its 2nd generation device. How successful has Microsoft been in the first year of their product? Successful enough to compete seriously for the 2nd position in overall market share of MP3 devices sold (depends on what market studies you read). The significance? Microsoft is offering consumers a choice when it comes to personal entertainment and taking a different approach then its rival the iPod. If you are a huge gamer and own a XBox Live machine the Zune offers integration points that are very intriguing for you. If you like sharing music with your friends ("The Social") the Zune allows you to share songs via the wireless sync native to the device (requires sharing with other Zune devices). If you have a home wireless network you can sync files over the network to your Zune device.

Do you like watching movies while you are commuting to work (not while driving!)? Do you like sharing pictures of your family with your friends? Or maybe you’re just a member of the Inetium CRM team and you earned a Zune this year for the incredible work you did for customers! Whatever the reason, pickup one of these new devices on November 13^th, 2007, and revolutionize your journey!!!

:: Ryan ::