The division aims to release the international version of Microsoft CRM by the end of this year, which will enable it to fit into its original wide release window defined as the second half of 2003, but where it initially planned to roll out English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish editions, the launch will now support a total of nine languages and will be available in 20 countries.

Microsoft says it will also arrive with an improved setup routine, enhanced reporting capability through the use of Crystal Enterprise version 9 and improved compatibility with Microsoft Windows Server, Exchange Server, Small Business Server, and the Microsoft Office System plus an enhanced development environment for the Outlook client.

However, the company will not deliver on its original goal of including VAT and multi-currency capabilities, maintaining that partners and customers are indicating that they would rather have Microsoft CRM now rather than wait for additional functionality. Customers with an urgent requirement for these capabilities are referred to the Great Plains ERP solution, which Microsoft CRM integrates with, or Microsoft Business Solutions’ Navision or Axapta applications with the option of migrating to Microsoft CRM when its functionality is ramped up.

With the delay of the international VAT and multi currency functionality, Microsoft CRM will remain pegged as a sales tool rather than a broader based CRM application and the postponement is likely to spark speculation about future plans. The division is currently engaged in the huge task of digesting both its Great Plains and Navision acquisitions while also developing a swath of next generation applications and associated application framework, based on the Microsoft .NET platform. These moves are being undertaken against a background of intense SME-sector competition against the likes of SAP AG and Oracle Corp plus newcomers such as Salesforce.com with its software as a service business and technology model.

The Microsoft division has also changed the pricing and distribution model. The CRM application will now be available through any Microsoft partner rather than through authorized Microsoft CRM partners. The partnership issue has always attracted attention as it has long been recognized that Microsoft and other SME-market wannabes need a far reaching network of dealers if they are to succeed but that those partners also need to be trained and capable of supporting a non-commodity CRM sale.

As far as pricing is concerned, the CRM application will be rolled into Microsoft’s Volume Licensing programs later this year, rather than being offered as a standalone sale. While Microsoft says this will enable customers to maintain a consistent licensing process, it will also addresses an area of complexity around the application as Microsoft CRM requires other Microsoft components such as Microsoft SQL Server and Exchange in order to run.

Source: Computerwire