With the impending introduction of Microsoft Dynamics 365 in autumn 2016, the tech world are already analysing its potential impact.
For those that don’t know, Dynamics 365 is the combination of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and the company’s ERP offerings into one accessible cloud bundle, simplifying and integrating Microsoft’s offerings for customers.
It was devised as part of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s mission to make the tech giant’s products into a pure integrated cloud based platform.
Writing in a LinkedIn article on the eve of Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto, Nadella said: “Two years ago, we set out with an ambition to reinvent productivity and business processes. In a world of infinite information and computing and finite attention and time, we aim to help everyone get more out of every moment and change the nature of digital work within organisations of all sizes.
“Last Thursday, we took a major step forward with the introduction of Microsoft Dynamics 365, to empower business users with built-in insights and intelligence within the business applications they’re working in – apps like field service, sales, finance, operations.”
He claimed that Microsoft Dynamics 365 would help organisations to move from outdated application suites to intelligent SaaS applications, integrate with Microsoft Office 365, and introduce disruptive customer-focused business models into companies.
Nadella is promising a lot but will Microsoft Dynamics 365 really improve the way companies do business?
CIO Watercooler reported: “There will be two Dynamics 365 options available to the market. There will be a ‘Business’ option geared towards small and middle-sized businesses and an ‘Enterprise’ option designed for larger organisations. In addition, Microsoft has indicated that customers will be able to purchase only the components (i.e. business applications) of the bundle that they actually need.”
Writing in Forbes, technology journalist Adrian Bridgwater said: “Is this one tool (or one software suite) to rule them all? Microsoft might have given its product a 365 every-day-of-the-year nametag, but it faces perennial market competition.
“It will also have to work hard to make sure there is connected integrated compatibility throughout the evolution of Dynamics 365.”
Microsoft Dynamics 365 customers will have also access to Microsoft’s business intelligence and Cortana software within the apps. This is to empower sales teams, sending them automatic predictions on opportunities for cross-selling.
The package seemingly has the potential to give organisations quicker access to a range of Microsoft products, tailor their apps package to their needs, and improve the level of integration. Only time will tell if Microsoft Dynamics 365 will be a success or not, but thorough integrated deployment of programmes and training of people will be the key to real long-term mass adoption.
Crimson is a member of Microsoft’s advisory council and a Microsoft Gold Partner for Dynamics CRM. If you would like any more advice or information on how Microsoft Dynamics 365 could affect your business call 01675 466 477 or email marketing@crimson.co.uk
Crimson is an IT consultancy, an IT solutions provider, an IT recruitment agency, and a Microsoft Gold Partner with offices in Birmingham and the City of London..
