This week sees Microsoft’s Convergence conference taking place in Barcelona. Along with updates to existing platforms there were some new products unveiled; CBR rounds up the key developments.
1. Microsoft Office 365
The collaboration platform got a range of new solutions added, including Skype Meeting Broadcast, Public Switch Telephone Network Conferencing, PSTN Calling and Cloud Private Branch Exchange.
Microsoft also added Delve Analytics, providing interactive dashboards for accessing insights about their use of time and who they work with. There was also a security addition with Customer Lockbox, providing customers control over data in Office 365.
All of these features are available in the new Office 365 E5.
2. Dynamics CRM 2016
The conference also saw the global launch of Dynamics CRM 2016, a comprehensive customer relationship management solution for sales professionals.
The solution is powered by Azure Machine Learning models and can preview capabilities such as intelligent product recommendations for sales reps to allow personalised up-selling. It also provides recommended knowledge articles to resolve customer service issues.
Dynamics CRM 2016 also provides new mobile capabilities, with Cortana integration and the ability to create task-centred mobile apps.
3. PowerApps
This new service allows employees to create their own apps that are connected to business systems in a secure way and share them with co-workers.
No coding ability is required, meaning that complex or simple apps can be theoretically built in minutes and it uses a similar interface to other Microsoft Office products. The apps can connect with software-as-a-service products like Salesforce and use data.
The service is now available in preview.
