Dynamics CRM 4.0 Versions, Deployment Options and Payment Models

The following Versions, Deployment/Delivery Model Options and Payment Plan Options will be available to get at Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 (aka TITAN) (aka "The Next Big Thing"):

VERSIONS:
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Workgroup Edition - This version is limited to 5 or fewer users. It can be installed on Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition, any of the supported Windows Server 2003 editions, or Microsoft Windows Server 2008. This version is limited to a single organization and a single computer that is running Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Server.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Professional Edition - This version has no user limit and is limited to a single organization. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Professional Edition Server can, however, be installed to more than one computer.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Enterprise Edition - This version has no user limit. Additional features include support for multiple organizations, multiple server instances, and role-based service installation. Role-based services let you increase performance by installing component services on different computers.

DEPLOYMENT/DELIVERY MODELS AND OPTIONS:
On-Premise - This is where the client buys the software and deploys internally on their own domain or premise. The traditional enterprise applications delivery model. Very good for Complex server side integration requirements or compliance driven organizations that need to tightly control their data at all times.

Partner Hosted - This delivery options gets you the same robust code set, APIs and applications but a partner typically hosts the system outside the clients domain and firewall. Very good option for someone that does not need or want the application internally which would require support costs.

Microsoft Hosted/SAAS/Software-As-A-Service/ASP/Application Service Provider/On-Demand/In the Cloud - Geez how many ways can you say this?? - This model has been around a long time but changed names to re invent itself. As the Internet and Internet security has gained acceptance over the last 10 years, it has become a rage for smaller businesses that do not have or want IT costs and can be more flexible with the platforms as Costs management is critical. This solution will be hosted in the Microsoft LIVE data centers and promises to really shake up the Hosted CRM on-demand world a bit. There are some limitations currently on what can be put on the server side at this time. We expect those to fall away in the distant future. One can never be too cautious with all the "Nefarious" code out there looking to take down the big M in the cloud. CRM LIVE cometh! Seriously, we are in the beta program for this and I work on the CRM Live Beta/early access system daily and it is great. So we expect and embrace this as a great delivery model for MS Dynamics CRM! Cant wait.

One of the greatest things about these delivery models in 3.0 and 4.0 especially is the code is portable and transferable easily from each mode to the next!

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be purchased six different ways from Sunday. You really have a lot of options.

1. Full payment up front for all users and server cal and maintenance. This can be a bit pricey but for the amount of software power, training, API, maintenance etc you get it is really pretty reasonable in the grand scheme of things.

2. OPEN - Buy the Software under the Open Business Licensing plan and you get to divide the costs into three payments over three years. Covers Software users, servers, maintenance and enhancements. This is really a great deal cause there is no interest.

3. MS Financing - Competitive rates and you can bundle software, services, hardware, maintenance and anything else you want into the purchase!!! All for one monthly payment over 36-60 months I believe. What a great deal. Some Interest applies here but it is part of doing business this way.

4. Partner Hosted - Pay Monthly service provider amounts from your partner. Varies based on SLA and partner. Generally $50-$125 from what I have heard.

5. CRM LIVE (March 08) - Pay monthly - About $40 - $65/user/month depending on version. Very competitive! - Deploy in minutes too. Pay on a Credit Card.

Either way you slice it or pay for it MS CRM is a great value.

For an exercise you can run the costs in a spreadsheet to amortize them accross three years. Take all the costs for the Software (users, server, maintenance) and spread it across 36 payments/3 years it comes to an average of $35/user/month! Wow that is cheap especially for all the value you get. Some say Dynamics CRM is now the fastest growing business application ever. 475,000 Users across 11,0000 companies. Almost all in 2-3 years. 100%+ growth a year!

Microsoft is all about giving you choice!

Regards, Jon Petrucelli - http://www.productivegap.com/