CRM 2011 : CRM Ready Organization - Training

My customers wants me to deliver End User training as part of CRM Ready Organization program

I made a short training program (25 minutes) to create understanding on CRM and its importance following the Workshops (which I will write later).

OneDrive location to the presentation.

OneDrive location to the training manual.

CRM 2011 : CRM Ready Organization - Implementation Plan

One of my customers wanted to be CRM Ready Organization, they hired me to take this up.

I created plan of action which you can take as a reference to deliver CRM 2011 or 2013 implementation.

OneDrive location to the proposed action plan.

CRM 2011 - End User Training Guide

Microsoft has published an excellent resource on CRM 2011 End User Training.

OneDrive location to find the training guide.

Deploying CRM 2011 on Windows Azure - Part I

To start with I've subscribed for FREE Trial account on Windows Azure and thanks to my friend Arshad Hussain for doing that.

Following tasks I planned to accomplish:

• Creating a Disk Storage
• Creating a Cloud Service
• Create Virtual Network
• Creating 3 Virtual Machines:
1. Domain Controller - Windows Server 2012 Data Center
2. SQL Server 2012 with Windows Server 2012 Data Center
3. CRM 2011 with Windows Server 2012 Data Center

With the release of CRM 2011 Update Rollup 13 it's now possible to install CRM 2011 on Windows Server 2012 - so I decided to take it as a challenge.

Don't know whether I shall call it an extensive exercise on going through all the installations, deployment issues but it was worthwhile lesson.

Keep reading.... coming up next....

Windows Azure is a 5 star cloud infrastructure (IaaS)

I better right a book on my experience with Windows Azure FREE trial and the results are unbelievable.

My next couple of posts will cover experience of this 5 star cloud infrastructure which allowed me testing the capabilities of Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012 and CRM 2011 without hassles.

Stay tuned...on my way.

Yet the most simple way of differentiating between types of licenses available.

While browsing through CRM 2011 Licensing related blogs, I came through this simple to understand post explaining the difference between types of licenses available.

Here is the real post and hopefull author won't mind promoting his blog here :)
https://community.dynamics.com/crm/f/117/t/125000.aspx

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part VII

After successfully importing the organization, installing and configuring the Email Router - it's time to let the user enjoy the glory but wait! i was unaware of the incoming issue :(

"Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Outlook cannot be configured while Microsoft Outlook is running.  Close Outlook and try again."

The above message appeared when I try to use "Manage Organization" from with in Outlook so it should connect to the existing organization on the newly created CRM instance with a new name.

How did I solved this - I was actually trying to remove the organization from a different location instead I've to use All Programs -> Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 -> Configuration Wizard. Once opened I removed the existing CRM server link and added the new one.

-Best.

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part VI

Once again I'm at the mercy of CRM 2011 but this time it related to user account who was not able to use CRM after organization import happened.

CRM 2011:Business Management error the user id associated with the current record is not valid!

This is the exact error message I received on the web browser whenever the existing user tries to login - upon later investigation it turned out that for some reason (God know what) this happened and the resolution would be:

1. Create a dummy/test account
2. Replace (map) the existing account with the new test account
3. Once login with the new test account
4. Revert the changes by replacing test account with the existing 
5. Try to log in  and it will definitely work 

Best of luck!

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part V

Microsoft Dynamics CRM E-mail Router: "The Microsoft Exchange MAPI subsystem is not installed on this system".

So this error hitted you on your head when you try installing CRM Email Router - what to do?

Missing:

• The Messaging API (MAPI) client libraries
• Collaboration Data Objects (CDO) 1.2.1

Once you install you are on your way.

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part IV

Error 1642 reported by MsiInstallProduct - Setup cannot proceed because an error occured while copying installer files to the local system: The upgrade cannot be installed by the Windows Installer service because the program to be upgraded may be missing, or the upgrade may update a different version of the program. Verify that the program to be upgraded exists on your computer and that you have the correct upgrade.   (setup.cpp:CCrmSetup::CopyInstallerFiles:488). Setup cannot proceed because an error occured while copying installer files to the local system: The upgrade cannot be installed by the Windows Installer service because the program to be upgraded may be missing, or the upgrade may update a different version of the program. Verify that the program to be upgraded exists on your computer and that you have the correct upgrade.

So you run over by this problem while installing CRM 2011 Email Router.

I know it's a long and confusing message but don't worry - the only resolution for this problem is skip the "Update... (Recommended) on the first page of installer.

You bet!

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part II

Next I selected the Microsoft SQL Server database that was restored earlier, and then select the organization database in the Organization database list - following the Organization Name step.

Next step is to provide the Reporting Server url, in my case SQL Server instance was another physical machine - so I provided the url accordingly. At this stage the setup denied continuing further (failed) and it turned out that CRM Reporting Extensions were not installed on SQL Server instance.

Installing CRM Reporting Extensions was another challenge - the setup splash screen was showing an option to simply install extensions but failed to proceed. Later I thought to to run it directly but what? I didn't find any installer inside setup media related to extensions. Upon further investigation I've come to know that earlier CRM Reporting Extensions came as "SrsDataConnector", and upon searching the media folders I found "SrsDataConnector" folder - this way I was able to install.

Next I switched back to CRM instance and continued till "Mapping Users" screen.

Still writing...

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part I

Indeed importing organization is a pain in CRM 2011, not a kids work though.

Situation:
Few days ago I've dealt with a situation where CRM 2011 "Full" database backup was taken and the installation completely wiped off.

Mission:
Importing/Restoring organization on a fresh CRM 2011 installation, without loosing existing functionality and customization.

I won't go through the process of preparing instances for SQL Server 2008 and CRM 2011 as it was another challenge prior moving towards the subject of this post and with only discuss what had happened and how did I resolve those.

So to accomplish the mission I logged in to the CRM 2011 instance and launched the "CRM Deployment Manager". Next I clicked on "Import Organization Wizard".

Still writing...

Why am I not able to proceed after accepting License Agreement - CRM 2011

No wonder I had wasted a great span of time to figure out on why my CRM 2011 installation didn't proceed further after accepting License Agreement :(

No wonder if I wouldn't ignored the warning message on "...see the log C:\Users\user_name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\MSCRM\Logs for further details - would have solved ages ago.

Further reading it revealed CRM 2011 comes with minor version of Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x64 Redistributable - 10.0.30319 whereas there was already a higher version installed.

So I removed the already installed version and continue with the installer and voila! it worked.

A piece of advise - the installer should have prompted instead sitting quietly and letting administrator read the log :)

CRM 2011: Issue Installing Windows Identity Foundation

While installing Windows Identity Foundation as a Pre-Requisite for CRM 2011 on Windows Server 2012, I was getting this strange error:

"The certificate for the signer of the message is invalid or not found."

Since Windows Server 2012 already contains "Windows Identity Foundation" as a Feature that's the reason it failed to installed.

So pause where you are are, first add "Windows Identity Foundation" as a Feature via Server Manager, once installed then continue and you can easily move on to the next screens...

Get a 40% discount on Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

As a limited time offer (expiring March 31, 2014) subscribed customers to Office 365 E3 and E4 plans in the 42 markets where Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service is available are eligible for a 40% discount on Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Professional User licenses.

Take advantage link

How Much Does Microsoft Dynamics CRM Cost?

http://www.infostrat.com/crmcalculator/general

Four points on why do you need a CRM

- Access any portion of your business i.e. Visibility
- Collaborate virually with anyone i.e. Sales, Marketing, Customers, Support
- View real-time reports and statistics of your business i.e, KPI, Trends, Sales
- Integrate virtually with any system

Dynamics CRM Long Term Vision (SoD)

This Statement of Direction (SoD) outlines the future direction and planned areas of innovation for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The intent of this paper is to help customers and partners establish appropriate plans and guidelines for their investments today, while keeping an eye on the horizon of future innovations being delivered by the Microsoft Dynamics CRM team. It is meant to be directional in nature – and articulates scenarios and solutions that are planned to be delivered over the next 36 months versus any particular product release or service update.

Statement of Direction (SoD) link

Release of Rollup 1 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013

There is a long list of fixes issued in Rollup 1 including:

• Publishing a CRM report fails as the parent report already links to another report with same name.
• Invalid Argument when navigating to view with related entity lookup. 
• The chart (for any other entity) does not display in Korean due to System.ArgumentException: "Value of 'Malgun Gothic, Segoe UI, 9.5px' is not valid for 'units'."
• Script error occurs when moving from a form. "Unable to get property 'get_filterType' of undefined or null reference"
• Disabling checkbox fields using the JavaScript API does not work.

Find full list of details on Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Update Rollup 1 KB article here.

Help your sales teams stay connected

Customer relationship management (CRM) for sales empowers your sales force to manage and share sales intelligence across devices, channels, locations, departments, and time, for higher productivity, more targeted sales, and faster closing rates.

Keep your sales teams connected using Microsoft Dynamics CRM . Foster productive internal and external communities by enabling your people to share news, information, and best practices. Embedded Yammer and powerful file-sharing capabilities enable you to collaborate with your team in the context of the work at hand.

That way, your mobile sales reps continue to "work the deal" while on the road. Your field salespeople can arrive prepared for every meeting by accessing schedules and communications via the phones and tablets they choose to use. And, with access to real-time customer and partner information, they can deliver more impactful engagements.

Why Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013

MEA Dynamics CRM User Group

Welcome to MEA Dynamics CRM User Group.

The MEA Dynamics CRM User Group (CRMUG) provides training, education, and networking opportunities - connecting you with like-minded CRM users to leverage their experiences and best practices. By subscribing to the group you can get several opportunities including:

• Unlimited access to educational webinars
• Engage and collaborate with CRM community
• Join our discussion boards to post answers or post a question
• Read technical blogs to find solutions
• Social networking with other industry CRM experts
• Free attendance to user group meetings
• And many other stuff.

Be a member and get all the above opportunities.

MEA Dynamics CRM User Group

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013 software requirements

Windows Server operating system

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013 can be installed only on Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2012 64-bit-based computers.

Supported Windows Server 2012 editions

The following editions of the Windows Server 2012 operating system are supported for installing and running Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013:

• Windows Server 2012 Datacenter
• Windows Server 2012 Standard

Supported Windows Server 2008 editions

The following editions of the Windows Server 2008 operating system are supported for installing and running Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013:

• Windows Server 2008 Standard SP2 (x64 versions) or Windows Server 2008 Standard R2 SP1
• Windows Server 2008 Enterprise SP2 (x64 versions) or Windows Server 2008 Enterprise R2 SP1
• Windows Server 2008 Datacenter SP2 (x64 versions) or Windows Server 2008 Datacenter R2 SP1
• · Windows Web Server 2008 SP2 (x64 versions) or Windows Web Server 2008 R2 SP1

Important
Windows Server 2008 installed by using the Server Core installation option is not supported for installing and running Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Server.

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based systems isn't supported for installing and running Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013.

Important
The Windows Server 2003 family of operating systems aren't supported for installing and running Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013.

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server editions aren't supported for installing and running Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013.

Active Directory modes
The computer that Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013 is running on must be a member in a domain that is running in one of the following Active Directory service forest and domain functional levels:

• Windows Server 2003 Interim
• Windows Server 2003 Native
• Windows Server 2008 Interim
• Windows Server 2008 Native
• Windows Server 2012

Internet Information Services (IIS)
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013 supports Internet Information Services (IIS) versions 7, 7.5, and 8.0.

SQL Server editions
Any one of the following Microsoft SQL Server editions is required and must be installed on Windows Server 2008 (x64 SP2 or R2) versions or Windows Server 2012 64-bit-based computers, running, and available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM:

• Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Standard Edition, x64 SP3 or R2 SP2
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Enterprise Edition, x64 SP3 or R2 SP2
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Datacenter x64 SP3 or R2 SP2
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Developer x64 SP3 or R2 SP2 (for non-production environments only)
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Enterprise, 64-bit SP1
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Business Intelligence, 64-bit SP1
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Standard, 64-bit SP1

SQL Server Reporting Services
Specific Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services editions are used for reporting functionality.

Any one of the following Microsoft SQL Server editions is required and must be installed on Windows Server 2008 (x64 SP2 or R2) versions or Windows Server 2012 64-bit-based computers, running and available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM:

• Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Standard Edition, x64 SP3 or R2 SP2
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Enterprise Edition, x64 SP3 or R2 SP2
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Datacenter x64 SP3 or R2 SP2
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Developer x64 SP3 or R2 SP2 (for non-production environments only)
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Enterprise, 64-bit SP1
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Business Intelligence, 64-bit SP1
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Standard, 64-bit SP1

Software component prerequisites
The following components must be installed and running on the computer where Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Server will be installed:

Services
Indexing Service (Windows Server 2008)\ Windows Search (Windows Server 2012)

IIS Admin

• World Wide Web Publishing
• Windows Data Access Components (MDAC) 6.0 (This is the default version of MDAC with Windows Server 2008
• Microsoft ASP.NET (Must be registered, but does not have to be running.)

Note: If not installed, they are installed for a Full Server during Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server Setup.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013 hardware requirements

Component	*Minimum	*Recommended
Processor	x64 architecture or compatible dual-core 1.5 GHz processor	Quad-core x64 architecture 2 GHz CPU or higher such as AMD Opteron or Intel Xeon systems
Memory	2-GB RAM	8-GB RAM or more
Hard disk	10 GB of available hard disk space Note Computers with more than 16GB of RAM will require more disk space for paging, hibernation, and dump files.	40 GB or more of available hard disk space Note Computers with more than 16GB of RAM will require more disk space for paging, hibernation, and dump files.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM delivers an average ROI of 243%*

This ROI Calculator will let you understand how Microsoft Dynamics CRM can deliver a booster shot directly to your bottom line.

What is ROI?

Return on investment (ROI) is a measure of investment cost to investment gain. Customer relationship management (CRM) helps to achieve a positive ROI through reduced costs and increased profitability while also increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty in the sales, marketing, and customer service fields.

Related Link

And for the lovers of CRM templates

Would you like to work on plethora of possibilities in CRM 2011/2013. Feel free to have look at the available templates from Microsoft Dynamics Labs, it's fun working and learning millions of ideas from these potential templates.

Related Link

License types in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 On-Premise and Online

With the release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 and the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Fall ’13 Update, Microsoft has introduced a new multi-tiered licensing model that extends the licensing flexibility that is currently offered to on-premises customers and introduces the same level of flexibility for online customers. This proves the organization's strategy towards customers success.

Reference Link

CONVERGENCE 2014 IS GOING TO BE AMAZING!

Convergence is that one moment in time when the Microsoft Dynamics community members come together to share “Aha!” moments. It’s their chance to network with other Dynamics users, see things for the first time, learn about the latest features and updates, get answers to tough questions from Microsoft product experts, and find new ways to stay ahead of their competition.

Dynamics CRM 2013 - On-Premise and Online Licencing Model

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online:
Software Subscription. You pay a monthly subscription fee per named user for on-demand software hosted by Microsoft. In this model your company does not own the software. Maintenance fees are included in the cost. Includes Sales, Service, Marketing Functionality.
5 user minimum

Licensing Model

• Professional at $65 per user per month and will include sales force automation, marketing and customer service. This is the traditional CRM suite and will be the most popular choice for most customers

• Basic at $30 per user per month and will include more limited sales, marketing and service for users who need to manage leads, accounts, contacts, cases and access custom applications or reporting

• Essential at $15 per user per month is intended for users who need to access to custom applications developed in house or by ISVs

Microsoft Dynamics CRM On Premise:
Software Purchase. You pay a one time fee to purchase the CRM server license and named user licenses and have it installed on your own servers/hardware. In this model your company owns the software. Includes Sales, Service, Marketing Functionality. No user minimum.

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server is $3938 per instance.

Licensing Model

• Professional version is priced at $984 per user and $787 per device
• Basic version is $342 per user and $236 per device 
• Essential version is $79 per user or device

Free non-production instances and free storage in Dynamics CRM Online 2013

As some of you have already noticed, with Dynamics CRM Online 2013, we offer a free non-production instance and free storage.  Exciting, isn’t it? If you are not aware of this offering, please read on to learn more about this and how the non-production instance and free storage tie up with your CRM application.

Get the full details on MSDN site MSDN site.

Unleash the power of CRM 2013 - Go For A 'Free Trial '

Try Free

Analyse market trends. Redefine sales performance. Create customer loyalty. All within Microsoft's trusted cloud.

Hey where is Duplicate Detection in CRM 2013

So what is Duplicate Detection? Provides the ability to show potential duplicate records on the client side when creating or updating records

But unfortunately this has been removed from CRM 2013 :( hopefully Microsoft will bring this feature back.

I can't go back to my customers and tell them this sad story, so instead of jumping directly to a conclusion I tried my luck on internet and think what, I found a solution on Microsoft CodePlex open source site.

Enjoy!

Related Link