Running Workflow Foundation on a different server than the CRM server?

In the last weeek I have been working on my new assignment for a large Financial Client in the Netherlands. One of the questions of my client was: is it possible to run the Workflow Foundation on a seperate dedicated server than the CRM server? After a short call with Microsoft, a received a link of one of the Microsoft CRM consultants that's said:
It is NOT possible to run Workflow Foundation on a different server than the CRM server, see original post here.
The following roles/services can be installed on different servers (only by using command prompt installation):

• SRS Data Connector
• SQL Server
• Application Server
• Asynchronous Processing Service
• Deployment Service
• Discovery Service
• Help Server
• SDK Server

So this can have impact on your architecture so keep in mind!

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Help Update (On-Premise Edition)

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM documentation team has updated the Help for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 based on feedback from customers and partners. In this update, you will find expanded information and clarifications in many topics, as well as bug fixes and new topics to support late-breaking product features.
Note: This update is not available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Service Provider Edition, and is not necessary for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. There are five download options:

• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 server update for 32-bit systems
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 server update for 64-bit systems
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for Microsoft Office Outlook with Offline Access update
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Language Pack updates for 32-bit systems (applies to both server and client components)
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Language Pack updates for 64-bit systems

See also KB article: KB955921

Bug in Microsoft Dynamics CRM???

This week I discovered a bug in Microsoft Dynamics CRM. When you enter an activity in CRM you can also modify the view of your activities with example field from the Entity Lead. After modifying your custom view, you can see all your related activities. But when changing the Type of Activity (for example: select only the Appointments), your custom view with the field from the Entity Lead will not be shown. Any kind of data from related Entities in your custom view will not me shown on the specifiec Type of Activity views. Of course there is a workaround:
1. Creating a view wih the Advanced find.
2. Using the Custom Views addon of SalesCentric.
Recently I have tested the Custom Views addon and again I must say that this addon is easy to use and that this addon will add value to the system.

Screenshots will be followed asap.

CRM in 1 Day

Yesterday was the CRM in 1 Day event in "De Reehorst" in Ede. The objective is orienting on CRM and absorbing all kind of knowledge in a simple manner for everyone.
With an unique programme where, by line, experiences are shared but also other CRM-aspecten in the field of strategy, changemanagement and politically forward will come.
Keynote speeches of Egbert Jan van Bel, Rebacca Jennings and Jochem de Gruyter.

2nd Dynamics Network Drink @ iRelate Zaltbommel

YES: October 30th 2008 iRelate B.V. The Netherlands and Microsoft are organizing the second Dynamics Network Drink in Zaltbommel. So every Dynamics person be invited. Of course I'm interested in the Dynamics CRM community so please send me an email or give me a call if you are attending this dink. More details will follows as soon as possible.

Microsoft Dynamics Partner Readiness Days

The last two days I attend the Partner Readiness Days at Microsoft Nederland.
This event was organized for all "new" companies related to the Microsoft Dynamics suite.
Some topics that were on the agenda:
EOC, Licensing (for CRM the CSA license), RMT, MSPP, Marketing & Verticalization and lots of more.
I'd like to mention especially the Marketing Factory. Every new company has to descide what Verticals and Horizontals they like to start in and start with. Two words are mentioned a lot:
distinctive capacity so please keep this in mind.
For any questions, please contact your PAM and get familiar within the Microsoft world!

2008.08.21 - First Dynamics Network Drink

Thurday 21th of August 2008 was the first Dynamics Network Drink in Gouda The Netherlands.
I was attending the drink with my colleague "Friendly CRM Monster". I want to thank the initiator Johan van Dijk for arranging this drink and of course we had some drinks with other bloggers like Ronald Lemmen and CWR mobility Erik van Hoof and Jeffry van de Vuurst. Looking forward to the next drink on November 27th.

CRM Statement of Direction and CRM Accelerators

Just downloaded this document on Partnersource and found of course a lot of blogging articles on the internet about it. Below you find the article I took of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Team Blog.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM partners and customers can look forward to a packed program of exciting releases during the second half of 2008.

The Statement of Direction whitepaper will be updated periodically to keep prospects, customers and partners up to date with key roadmap information for Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

One of the big announcements for Microsoft Dynamics CRM at Worldwide Partner Conference in Houston (and detailed in the Statement of Direction whitepaper) was about CRM Accelerators. This post will detail the overall Accelerators program and future posts will provide a high-level overview of each accelerator and its capabilities.

CRM Accelerators are a range of free-of-charge add-on solutions which are being developed for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 customers and partners. Each accelerator will showcase how the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 platform can be configured and extended to broaden marketing, sales and service capabilities. CRM accelerators provide additional functionality for deployments of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. Microsoft Dynamics CRM customers are encouraged to further configure these accelerators to meet their specific business needs.

Each accelerator may consist of the following:

• Importable data model
• Business process workflows
• Business Intelligence elements such as custom reports
• Functional code samples (strictly adhering to SDK guidelines)
• Documentation for installing, operating, localizing and extending the solution
• An automated installer

Each accelerator will be supported as per any other customization that follows SDK guidelines. Additionally, all samples are supplied with full source-code so they can be extended further to meet specific customer requirements. Because of Microsoft Dynamics CRM’s services-based architecture and metadata-driven application capabilities, accelerators can be easily deployed for both on-demand and on-premise environments.

Through accelerators, customers and partners benefit from new functionality on a more frequent basis, and they can be deployed to their environment quickly and easily. Delivery of these accelerators will be during the second half of 2008.

The list of accelerators is as follows:

• Analytics
• eService
• Event Management
• Enterprise Search
• Sales Methodologies
• Extended Sales Forecasting
• CRM Notifications
• Business Productivity

CRM as a Rapid Development Platform

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 provides all the capabilities to be a foundation for building line of business applications and saves you a ton of time! In this book, you will learn that CRM is an application development platform not just a CRM package. We will explore how its declarative data modeling, security model, dynamic SOA Web Service creation and other platform services make it a fast and easy platform for development. CRM 4.0 uses popular developer technologies like SQL Server, SQL Server Reporting Services and Windows Workflow Foundation for process automation. See how you can build your applications on top of it, integrate with it or simply extend it using ASP.NET, SharePoint, Silverlight, Virtual Earth, Custom Workflow Activities, Mobile and more.

Check the link here!

Custom Views by SalesCentric

SalesCentric Custom Views for Microsoft Dynamics CRM simplifies data navigation and brings the power of complex queries to every user.


Custom Views allows CRM users to create list forms with filters for almost every entity in CRM in a WYSIWYG query builder and integrate them into the MSCRM navigation system. The user finds the desired information in a few mouse clicks.


Custom Views key features:

• Create list forms with filters for almost every entity in CRM in a WYSIWYG query builder.
• Integrate crafted list forms in MSCRM navigation system including site map and navigation panes.
• Use any combination of single options, multi options, range and text box filters enhanced by auto complete feature to get to the needed data with a few mouse clicks.
• Save filter values as a named filter and apply it any time later.
• Add a column or a filter to a list form on fly for a few clicks in a WYSIWYG query builder.
• Bring data from the primary entity as well as its related entities without limitations for the relations level number.
• Export Custom Views results into Excel.
• Utilize out-of-the-box Custom Views definitions instead of CRM’s default views.
• Search across all relationships in CRM to find the people who have specific relationships with your prospect employees.
• Search across any associated records using easily configured filters such as city, address, first and last names, job titles and even custom fields.
• Display both Activities and History in the same list.
• Add contacts from Custom Views directly to Marketing lists.
• Design Custom Views in a test environment, export them and use them in the production environment.
• Integrate Custom Views in your solutions by linking them into an inline frame.

Marketing Segmentation screenshot:

Customer Relationships screenshot:

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Internet Facing Deployment Scenarios

Microsoft has released version 1.3 of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Internet Facing Deployment Scenarios document on their Corporate site.

This document covers the following Internet-Facing Deployment (IFD) scenarios for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0.

• Install Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 through the user interface (UI) setup

• Install Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 with a configuration file

• Upgrade Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 through the UI setup

• Upgrade Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 with a configuration file

This document is intended to cover how to set up the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Web site to make it available from the Internet.

This document will not cover the steps that you must complete to make a server available from the Internet.

New and interesting CRM Books

Just a quick update on new and interesting CRM books. These books can be ordered at Amazon.com.

December 15, 2008
September 22, 2008
June 1, 2008

April 20, 2008

2 new Linkin Groups Created

Yesterday I created 2 new Microsoft Dynamics CRM groups on Linkedin:
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Blogs and the Dutch Dynamics CRM Community, so please sign in to these groups and get connected!!!

Dynamics Network Drink

On the 21st of August 2008 the first Dynamics Network Drink will be organized. Initially it was planned for the 1st of July 2008 but the bar wasn't finished yet. So please sign in on the website and I hope to see you all at the Dynamics Network Drink in Gouda.

Available Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Courses

A lot of people asking me which trainingen are available for version 4.0. Below you find an overview of Compu'Train and InfoSupport. These two are the major training institutes in the Netherlands.

Compu'Train
What's New in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 (Clinic) - 1 day - €500
Installing and Deployment in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 (M8911) - 3 days - €900
Customization and Configuration in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 (M8912) - 3 days -€1380
Microsoft Dynanamics CRM 4.0 Applications (M8913) - 3 days -€ 1250
Microsoft CRM Sales Management (M8521) - 1 day - €390
Microsoft CRM Marketing Automation (M8522) - 1 day - €390
Microsoft CRM Service Management (M8523) - 1 day - €390
Microsoft CRM Service Scheduling (M8524) - 1 day - €390

InfoSupport
Microsoft CRM Next Applications - CRM4APPL
Customization and Configuration in Microsoft CRM 4.0 - CRM4CONF
Extending Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 - CRM4EXT
Installation and Deployment in Microsoft Dynamics 4.0 - CRM4INST
What's new in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 ? Technical track - CRM4TECHN
Microsoft Dynamics CRM - Reporting and BI - CRMBI

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 User's Guide

Microsoft has releashed a printable version of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 User's Guide. This can can be downloaded in DOCX or PDF format.

Gartner Names SalesCentric ‘Top 5 Cool Vendor in 2008’ for Relationship Charts

During my vacation I received an email of SalesCentric and Gartner.

SalesCentric has been included by Ed Thompson in the ‘Cool Vendors in CRM Sales 2008’ report, by Gartner Inc. in March 2008.

According to the report “Sales organisations using Microsoft Dynamics CRM for account management seeking to improve the account review process should investigate SalesCentric”. Additionally, “The application is cool because it enables salespeople to draw and redraw the organization chart using different relationship criteria, and even include "ghost" employees where the contact name is unknown but their influence is being felt.”

The primary objective of the report is to look at which technologies, vendors, applications and services will meet the needs of marketing and selling organizations. The report describes new vendors that provide innovative ways to help sales grow revenue.

“We’re delighted to be the only Microsoft related CRM vendor to have been named a “Cool Vendor” by Gartner in this report,” said Matthew Crook, CEO of SalesCentric. “Through our Relationship Charts software we have clearly demonstrated how businesses can get the most from their investment by making CRM easy to use. Users can easily see and understand the overall picture and leverage valuable market and human insight to dramatically increase the quality of new business opportunities and close more business”.

Relationship Charts is a unique add-on to Microsoft Dynamics CRM that drives the adoption of this software by allowing account managers to easily view the relationships within a prospect’s organisation, including vendors and suppliers. This insight enables sales professionals to take action before the deal has passed. Relationship Charts seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, meaning users already familiar with the CRM package will require minimal training to begin creating and managing business-critical customer relationship information, vital to sales and marketing.

So again I really recommend everyone to include this GREAT addon to your standard implementation of CRM.

Update Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.2.0 Implementation Guide

Microsoft have updated the English version of the Implementation Guide to v4.2.0. This guide contains comprehensive information about how to plan, install, and maintain Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. I really recommend everyone to read and use the IG! This can be downloaded here.

Summer Holiday 2008 Marmaris Turkey

Dear blog readers, I will be on holiday from the 5th of july till the 19th of July. After my holiday I will update my blog as soon as possible. I wish everyone a great summer 2008.

SalesCentric deploy next generation of visual user experience

Just received the following email of SalesCentric and I wanted to share this news with my blog readers.

SalesCentric is set to unveil two new versions of Relationship Charts for Dynamics CRM at the WPC next week. Visit stand 383 and see the next generation of CRM visualization utilizing Microsoft’s Silverlight technology and the new service, Relationship Charts for Dynamics CRM Online.
Silverlight provides the foundation to take CRM and Relationship Charts to the next generation of visual user experience. Animation, zoom and multiple ‘actor cards’ that fan out give the user the ability to quickly see on one screen information that would otherwise take multiple CRM views to get.

Relationship Charts Online is an on-demand customer relationship visualization service for users of Microsoft CRM Online. The new Internet service will be available for customers of Microsoft CRM Online. Users seamlessly access Relationship Charts while working within the standard CRM Online service from Microsoft.

Relationship Charts will be available in two versions for CRM Online:

• Relationship Charts Online Professional offers Relationship Charts within three CRM areas: account, contact and opportunity
• Relationship Charts Online Professional Plus offers Relationship Charts within any CRM entity and displays any entity on a chart, including system users

People close five times as much business when they have relationships with key decision makers. Relationship Charts reveals the relationships within CRM.

EBAX addon for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

Last week I came in contact with Brad Nimitz, he is the EBAX Product Manager for Prosoft Systems. EBAX is a add-on application created to improve CRM’s efficiency and simplify the process of data input. EBAX takes advantage of the ease and speed of Excel spreadsheets to populate CRM’s data. Now users can enter all and any information into an Excel spreadsheet and with the click of the mouse update this data into CRM.

Prosoft Systems International established in 1992, is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner specializing in Microsoft CRM, Office Application Development, Sharepoint, Custom Application Development, and Business Intelligence solutions.

I have downloaded the 14 days trial version and installed this on the Microsoft CRM 4.0 VPC, see screenshots below.

The installation of the EBAX addon is very easy to do.

After the installation is completed, you can inport the EBAX.xml into CRM.

After configuring Excel with the CRM Server (set the right URL of the website into Excel), the MS CRM tab will appear in the menu above.

Now you can easily upload data into Excel, adjust/modify the data and upload it back into CRM.

You can read a short summary of the EBAX addon below:

Note: The price of the EBAX addon is $85 per user with first year update subscription.

I must say that this addon is very easy to install and handy to use. A very nice feature of the addon is also the offline capability. So I recommend everyone to download the trial and see it yourself. For more information, please visit the website of Prosoft Systems International.

HELP WANTED: Disabled button Activity Details

I have an issue, perhaps someone can help me out.

When I do a Mail Merge (for example contact) with the following specifications:

• Type: Mail
• Use Microsoft Office Word
• Electronic Mail
• Mail Format: Attachment
  

Create Microsoft Dynamics CRM activities --> button Activity Details is disabled

However when I do the same but then on Type: Letter, the button is enabled

Can someone please explain to me WHY the button is disabled???


See screenshot below!

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Virtual Machine (Sample Data Differentiation File)

This VPC differentiation disk adds demonstration data and other demo-related content to the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Virtual Machine. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Virtual Machine is required and is separately downloadable. Please note that this virtual machine addition is for partner demonstrations only, and is not supported through Microsoft Technical Support.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 User's Guide

A printable version of the Help that ships with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, On Premise can be downloaded here.

How to Integrate SharePoint with Microsoft CRM

Just received a very informative article how to integrate Microsoft CRM with SharePoint, the level of integration is greater than any previously posted and they have also provided download links to a visual studio project file giving the source code away for free!
You can read the complete article here and also downloading the files.

KB950202 - The translated labels disappear when you add a new value to a picklist field of an attribute for an entity in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

After configuring and modifying the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 NL VPC, I run into some translation problems. The basic language of the VPC is English (1033) and the Language Package is Dutch (1043). According to the KB article 950202 the symptoms are:
"Consider the following scenario in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. You enable a language pack. You add a new value to a picklist field of an attribute for an entity. Then, you save the changes. In this scenario, the translated labels disappear. When this problem occurs, the labels in the picklist field are displayed only by using the base language. "
The KB article 950202 can be downloaded here.

Celenia integrates the Dynamics Suite

I'm always interested in the intergation between the Dynamics Suite, so CRM with NAV or Axapta. Just came accross the Celenia website. More information can be found on their website. In this post I want to mention the Celenia CRM Connector. According to the website:

"Celenia CRM Connector for Microsoft Dynamics AX NAV easily automates and streamlines the flow of an organization’s internal business data. With Celenia CRM Connector for Microsoft Dynamics AX NAV, integration can be achieved at far lower costs than development of custom communication applications. Furthermore, Celenia CRM Connector for Microsoft Dynamics AX NAV facilitates more accurate and efficient internal data exchange and application level integration than can be achieved by manual processes".

Two Business Logic Into One.

Hope to get more experience in this add-on soon, so everyone who's interested in an integration between the Dynamics Suite, please check the website.

DEMO2WIN! Workshop for Microsoft Dynamics Partners

Last wednesday I attend the Presentation Delivery Skills Workshop: "DEMO2WIN!" at Microsoft. The main coal of this workshops was: How to acomplish the 2% factor in your demo.

Below you can read s short summary of the workshop. More information can be found at the 2WIN! Global Website.

The workshop started with the top 10 Demo Crimes like:

• Teaching vs. Demonstrating
• I Love this part of my software
• So What?
• etc.

Many of the crimes are familiar in your way of giving demo's to customers.

After that we discussed how to make a demo with Demo Scenes and Sub-Scenes Items. This part will show you how to create a demo, for example demonstrate Microsoft Dynamics CRM, see below.

• Demo Scene: Sales Entity
• Demo Sub-Scene: Uploading your Outlook contact into CRM
• Demo Sub-Scene: Create a relationship between your Contact and the Account
• Demo Sub-Scene: Create an activity for the Contact / Account
  

For every Demo Scene and Sub-Scene Item you are able to use the Tell-Show-Tell Technique. This technique will first: tell what you are going to demo, then demo the scene and finally tell the audience what you just have done. The Tell-Show-Tell Technique can be applied for every Dem Scene and his Demo Sub Scenes!

Using the Tell-Show-Tell Technique with Visually Supporting like the Triangle. The Triangle is for example: using PowerPoint, Flipchart and Whiteboard or other facilities.

Finally create an opening and closing demo scene. This will make the audience remember your presentation, so be creative!

I only can recommend everyone to follow the DEMO2WIN! workshop and take your benefit with this.

Customaze Email Marketing

Customaze is a German company specialized in Microsoft technologies and of course Microsoft CRM. For Microsoft CRM there have developed 5 add-ons:

1. Document Managment
2. Email Marketing
3. Customer History
4. CTI Telephony
5. Synchronization

For this post I want to highlight the Email Marketing add-on of Customaze. A lot of customers are asking for sending HTML newsletters in CRM and of course a complete track and trace module for their events and campaigns. Pleasse have a look on the Customaza website and their you can find a lot of information on the Email Marketing and demo videos.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Sample Data including Readme Document

The sample data for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 VPC can be downloaded here.
Please download also the Readme document for detailed information on how to load the data into CRM with the Data Migration Manager. Click here.

CRM 4.0 E-mail Tag

I received a lot of questions on the e-mail tag in version 3.0 vs. 4.0. In Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 the e-mail tag can finally be turned off. In earlier versions like 1.2 and 3.0 the tag was necessary to have the functionality of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM E-mail Router. In version 4, the tag can be switched off and still using the E-mail router functionality by tracing messages on combinations with senders, recipient and subjects. See screenshot below how to turn off the e-mail tag in 4.0.

Go to Settings; Administration; System Settings; E-mail {screenshot is of Dutch version of CRM 4.0}

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 KB Articles

Check the Microsoft Help & Support website for the recent KB Articles on Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. You can find the website here. Hope that some KB Articles can solved your CRM 4.0 issues. Good luck everyone.

Support for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 on a computer that is running Microsoft Virtual Server 2005

Just came across the Microsoft KB article 946600 that says that virtualization in 4.0 is now supported. Please read the complete KB article here.

It's my brithday today

Hello everyone,

Today it's my birthday, 29 years old already, getting closer to the magic 30.

Holiday to Rome

Hello blog readers,

Sorry for not posting for a while because I went to Rome on holiday. I will post any new updates in the coming week. Of course you can see my holiday pictures on my personal blog.


Regards,

Hans Veldman

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Certification Exams

Just reading Menno te Koppele blog and there it is: Get Certified!
The following exams will be available in English on April 25, 2008 so get studied.
30-631: Customization and Configuration for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0
30-632: Applications for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0
30-633: Installation and Deployment for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Unleashed

And this great book is released on March 18th 2008 and can also be ordered at ComputerCollectief.

This book is for every IT professional who intends to work with Dynamics CRM, regardless of their experience with Dynamics or other CRM solutions. The authors provide example-rich, realistic coverage of advanced Dynamics customization, extensibility, and integration: information that is available nowhere else. Detailed information on how to: - Set up, configure, and maintain all facets of Dynamics CRM in any organization or industry; - Thoroughly understand both the on-premise and hosted versions of Dynamics CRM; - Make the most of Dynamics' new features, including email, the Outlook client, Internet Facing Deployment (IFD), and relationships; - Manage sales leads, opportunities, accounts, contacts, marketing lists, sales collateral, campaigns, quotes, orders, and invoices; - Improve customer service by integrating schedules, cases, contacts, product/service information, and more; - Build powerful automated workflows that streamline key sales tasks and liberate salespeople for more effective selling; - Efficiently administer and secure any Dynamics CRM implementation; - Drive greater value by integrating Dynamics CRM with Microsoft Office productivity tools; - Customize & extend Dynamics CRM using Visual Studio, .NET, and custom plug-ins & add-ons. On the Web: Download all of this book's examples and source code at informit.com/title/9780672329708

Working with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, Second Edition

For the "bookworms" the following book can be ordered at ComputerCollectief. A short description of the book can be read below:

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a customer-relationship management (CRM) solution for small- and mid-market businesses. The latest version adds workflow management capabilities, and can be delivered as an on-demand service through MS Office Live. With topics that include developing new functionality, designing implementations, and integrating MS CRM with other business applications _ including MS Office Outlook, MS Office InfoPath, & MS SharePoint Products & Technologies _ this book is written for developers & those who implement business solutions. The book provides case studies, integration & performance guidelines, and toolsets _ the information you need to help you create successful CRM solutions. This book also explains how to maintain Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, making it of interest to IT professionals who support MS Dynamics CRM 4.0 users. And power users will learn how to customize individual MS Dynamics CRM 4.0 experiences. Get code samples on the Web.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 SDK v4.0.4 Update

Microsoft has updated the SDK to version 4.0.4 and can be downloaded here.
The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) is for developers, system customizers, and report writers. It contains all new information about creating plug-ins, working with custom workflow activities, using the new Web services, using new data management features, and much more.This SDK contains information for developers writing server side code, custom business logic, integration modules, workflow assemblies, and more. It provides an architectural overview of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, the entity model, security model, and Web services. Sample code and walkthroughs guide you through the new features.The SDK also contains information for developers customizing the Web client or Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Microsoft Office Outlook, including scripting, integration of custom Web pages, sample code, and a detailed user interface style guide. Look for regular updates to this SDK. Future releases will include the ISV Guide and Report Writers Guide.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Update Rollup 3

Microsoft has released Update Rollup 3 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Server and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 client for Microsoft Office Outlook. For more information about this release, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 935364. The update can be downloaded here.

CRM4LEGAL

CRM4LEGAL, developed for Microsoft CRM, is a complete client relationship management solution for law firms that provides everything your firm needs to create and maintain a clear picture of your clients. I am working now on two imlementation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM with the CRM4LEGAL add-on. Please see some screenshots below. More information on CRM4LEGAL can be found on their website.

CWR Mobility Releases Mobile CRM 4.0

CWR Mobility releases the CWR Mobile CRM 4.0 at the convergence in the States. So please read all about this on their website. A trial license can be requested here. CWR Mobile CRM 4.0 is available in three editions: Standard, Professional and via a (Partner-)Hosted model. With the release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live (scheduled in April), CWR Mobility will also be offering CWR Mobile CRM for Dynamics CRM Live.

Running CRM 4.0 on IE 8 Beta 1

While testing CRM 4.0 with Mozilla Firefox 3 beta 4 I also installed Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 beta 1 for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2 and CRM 4.0 is running perfectly on IE 8, but please note that IE 8 is still in the testing phase. See some screenshots below.

Running CRM 4.0 on Mozilla Firefox

Today I have tried to run Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 on a Mozilla Firefox 3 beta 4 explorer and with success. See a short guide and screenshots below. See also on the Sonoma Partners Website.

After installing Mozilla Firefox 3 beta 4 on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 VPC image and browse to the CRM 4.0 url, you get the following picture:



You need to install the IE Tab add-on.



Install the IE Tab add-on.





Restart Firefox.


Browse to the CRM 4.0 url and logon to the website.


Click on the screen with your right mouse button and select the option: View page in IE Tab and VOILA!

N.B. Please note that Mozilla Firefox is still NOT supported by Microsoft!

Microsoft Dynamics Related Communities page

My blog and also my colleagues blog have been approved for the Microsoft Dynamics Related Communities page, so please check this link.

Linked to the Microsoft Dynamics Addons

Today I received the confirmation that my blog has been linked to the Microsoft Dynamics Addons site :)

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Logical Database Diagrams

Microsoft has updated the Logical Database Diagrams of 3.0 to 4.0. These diagrams can be downloaded here from the Microsoft Corporate Site. Microsoft Office Visio 2003 is required for these diagrams.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Forum

Today I received an e-mail of Imran. He's a certified Microsoft CRM Professional and top 1 on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Forum. So check the forum for any kind of issues and of course his great blog.

Explaining the five groups created in Active Directory

When installing Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, five groups are being created in Active Directory instead of four groups created in 3.0. The PrivReportingGroup is the new group created in 4.0. During the installation you can have the option to create and Organisation Unit (OU) in Active Directory. These five new groups are being placed in that new OU. Below you find a short explaination of these five groups:

PrivReportingGroup
Privileged Microsoft Dynamics CRM user group for reporting functions. This group is created during Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server Setup and configured during Microsoft Dynamics CRM Connector for SQL Server Reporting Services Setup.
PrivUserGroup
Privileged Microsoft Dynamics CRM user group for special administrative functions; including CRMAppPool identity (domain user or NetworkService). The users who configure Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server must be added to this group.
SQLAccessGroup
All server processes/service accounts that require access to SQL Server; including CRMAppPool identity (domain user or NetworkService).
ReportingGroup
All Microsoft Dynamics CRM users are included in this group. This group is updated automatically as users are added and removed from Microsoft Dynamics CRM. By default, all Microsoft Dynamics CRM Reporting Services reports grant Browse permission to this group.
UserGroup
All Microsoft Dynamics CRM users are included in this group. This group is updated automatically as users are added and removed from Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Demonstration Tools

Microsoft also released the demonstration tools for CRM 4.0 The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Demonstration Tools provide a simple user interface that allows you to easily enter and edit data to populate or modify your instance of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. It also allows you to load and store your data in XML format, so that you can reuse your data in the future.The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Demonstration Tools also include utilities to:

• Generate Data


• Change the Dates and/or Times for Data


• Create Dependent Picklists


• Generate E-Mail


• Set Icons for Entities


• Change the CRM Navigation Pane


• Replace Strings in CRM

Please click here for the download.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Virtual Machine

Microsoft relased the VPC for CRM 4.0 on monday 4 february. This demo is a one computer setup with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and associated Microsoft Dynamics CRM clients for Microsoft Office Outlook and Microsoft Internet Explorer.This demonstration also contains Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, Microsoft Office Communications Server and client, Microsoft SharePoint services, and Microsoft PerformancePoint Server 2007. Full details about the image are included in the virtual machine itself. This virtual machine will expire in April, 2009. The VPC can be downloaded here.

Customer Launch Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

Microsoft and the partners will be launching CRM 4.0 on february 7th in Maarsen at DeFabrique. I will be attending this launch with some colleagues. More info and deatils will be followed after the launch.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 MSDN Keys Available

The following keys are now available on MSDN for Microsoft Dynamics CR 4.0:

• CRM 4.0Enterprise Edition
• CRM 4.0 Professional Edition
• CRM 4.0 Workgroup Edition

Online Microsoft CRM 4.0 Handbook

While searching on Google, I found an online handbook of CRM 4.0. Enjoy reading.

MSDynamicsWorld.com

Today I received an e-mail of Mr. A. Berezin, CEO of MSDynamicsWorld.com. MSDynamicsWorld.com is an independent authority for news and views on Microsoft Dynamics. My interest is in Dynamics CRM. You can read here the lastest news, whitepapers and case studies on Dynamics CRM. The are also some links for featured add-ons, like Scribe Software.
So please read this site and stay up to date in the Dynamics World.

Microsoft Dynamics Addons

Last week I received an email of Robert Anderson of Microsoft. He asked me to review his site Microsoft Dynamics Addons and if interesting blog about it. His site is an Online Directory of MicrosoftDynamics Add-on Products. For Dynamics CRM (MS CRM) there are several add-ons and Vertical Solutions for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM (MS-CRM) ERP product, for example SalesCentric (see also my previous blogs). Please let me know what you think of this site.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 available on MSDN

Last night Microsoft released the Dynamics CRM 4.0 Enterprise, Professional, and Workgroup Editions (x86) - DVD (English) on MSDN.
This download includes CRM 4.0 for Outlook, Data Migration Manager, and E-Mail Router.

What's new in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

Today I attended the What's new in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 semminar at Info Support Veenendaal. A lot of version 4.0, codename Titan has been mentioned in several blogs, but I will post a short summary tomorrow of the new features that came across in the semminar.

New Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Images

Last week I worked on 2 new images for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 based on the 90-days trial versions. I have created the following 2 images:
1 Server Image with:

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2003 Server R2 SP2
• Exchange 2003 Server Enterprise
• SQL Server 2005 Enterprise
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Enterprise

And 1 Client Image with:

• Opereating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2
• Microsoft Office 2007 Ultimate
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

These 2 images run on Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 each configurated on 1024 MB .

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Exams

Just heard from Microsoft that the new 4.0 exams will be available in Q3 2008, so follow the training courses and gain experience with 4.0.

Microsot Dynamics CRM 4.0 Downloads

7 February 2008, Microsoft Launch of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. Several documents and programs can be downloaded from the Microsoft Corporate Site, like the Implementation Guide, Software Development Kit, Data Migrations Manager and more. See some downloads below:

• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Software Development Kit
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Data Migration Manager
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0: 90-Day Trial Versions
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for Microsoft Office Outlook (For On-Premise and Hosted Editions)
  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 E-mail Router (On-Premise and Hosted Editions)
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Implementation Guide

Start iRelate B.V. The Netherlands

First of all a happy new year to everyone. Today is my first day for iRelate B.V. The Netherlands. This morning I went to our temporary office in Amersfoort. In the afternoon I went to Antwerpen for picking up my temporary lease car and other stuff. Furthermore I am tomorrow and the day after tomorrow still free concerning placing of my new bathroom. I will be up and running on monday the 7th of January. More information will be followed as soon as possible.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

31 December 2007, the last day of the year. I hope that everyone had a wonderfull Christmas and I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2008. Please enjoy the last few hours of 2007 and be carefull with all the fireworks. Last but not least I hope that 2008 will be the year of Microsoft Dynamics CRM:)

Leaving Atos Origin, starting for iRelate B.V.

Last wednesday was my final day with Atos Origin. From the 1st of January I will be working for iRelate Netherlands B.V. More information will be followed.

SOLVED: HTTP status 401: Unauthorized Error

Today Microsoft Customer Support & Services has solved our issue with the customer.
Short summary is given below.

Error:
When we try to connect to the Reports Module in Microsoft Dynamics from a desktop (browser) but we receive a
Server Error in '/' Application.
The request failed with HTTP status 401: Unauthorized.
We also get the same error when we try to connect to Settings\Organization Settings\System Settings. When we're loggin into the server (by Remote Desktop) we don't get any errors.
Note that there are 2 ip-addresses configured and DNS is resolving an other ip-address than the server is opening Microsoft Dynamics.

Solution:
Reports in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 require Kerberos authentication if Microsoft Dynamics CRM and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) are installed on different computers. This requirement means that you cannot use NTLM negotiation.
Add the NTLMForSQLRSServer reg key on the server side.

1. On the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server, click Start, click Run, type regedit , and then click OK.
2. Open the following registry key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSCRM
3. Right-click MSCRM, point to New, and then click DWORD value.
4. Type NTLMForSQLRSServer .
5. Double-click NTLMForSQLRSServer , type 1 , and then click OK.
   
   
   

HELP WANTED: HTTP status 401: Unauthorized Error

Dear CRM colleagues,

I have some errors in a development environment of one customer. I receive the following error on the Reports module and Organisation Setting:

Server Error in '/' Application.

The request failed with HTTP status 401: Unauthorized.

Please see some screenshots below. I have checked the Trust for Delegation with the SPN accounts. These are all correctly set. Who has any ideas? Please leave a message on this post for any sollution or remakrs.

Thanks!

Reports error:

Organisation Settings error:

Trust for Delegation setting:

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Visio Shapes

If you're working with Microsoft Visio, you can download some really cool Microsoft Dynamics CRM Visio Shapes. These shapes can be used for different designs and can be downloaded here.
See screenshot below.