Microsoft Dynamics CRM Launches New "Cloud CRM for Less" Offer

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq "MSFT") today announced a new "Cloud CRM for Less" offer that helps customers of Oracle, Salesforce.com Inc. and SAP switch to the familiar, intelligent and connected experiences delivered by Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. Building on the momentum of the global launch of Microsoft's online CRM service in the first half of 2011, Microsoft is extending $150 (U.S.) cash per user seat (minimum of 50 seats per organization) to up to 500 user seats for each eligible customer.(1) This offer provides an opportunity for dramatic cost savings and helps customers realize the benefits from using software and online services that work the way people and organizations work.

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"We are a very relationship-oriented business and needed a CRM solution that gave us the ability to get a deeper understanding of our clients, their experiences, their company," said Doug Elkins, CIO, ABC Financial. "We chose to switch from Salesforce.com to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, not only because it is cost-effective, but it seamlessly fit in with our existing systems like Office, SharePoint and Lync, and gave us a rich feature set and overall the most value for our investment. With Microsoft Dynamics CRM in place, we now have the tools to manage our customers and their experience, and can focus on growing our business."

Indeed, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online continues to be at the forefront of cloud computing and is attracting some of the largest businesses in the world, including General Mills, Konica Minolta and Yamaha.

"Customers choose Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online over solutions from Oracle, Salesforce.com and SAP to get compelling increases in productivity and user adoption, as well as significant reductions in ongoing costs," said Brad Wilson, general manager, Microsoft Dynamics CRM product management group. "We feel that Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online delivers the best CRM service in the market -- and at an extremely compelling price point."

According to Nucleus Research Note L5, "An aggressive pricing strategy and developments in functionality put Microsoft closer to par with Salesforce.com on core CRM at roughly one-half to one-third the per-user subscription price."(2)

Offers such as "Cloud CRM for Less" also help Microsoft's partners create profitable businesses. In fact, through the close of last year's offer, Hitachi Consulting, a global business and IT consulting company, has experienced triple-digit growth in its CRM online business. National business and technology consulting firm Slalom Consulting is another Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner seeing success through such offers.

"Customers don't have to pay high prices for a leading CRM solution," said Brian Rimmer, National Solution director, CRM for Slalom Consulting. "The 'Cloud CRM for Less' offer has helped Slalom Consulting position valuable CRM solutions for customers that fit within their budgets."

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online helps people be more productive while giving them the insight necessary to gain a competitive edge in an ever-changing world of business. This promotion is available between now and March 31, 2012.

More information about Microsoft Dynamics CRM customers that have switched from Salesforce.com, as well as information on how to sign up for a free 30-day trial of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, is available at http://www.dontgetforced.com. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM team can be followed on Twitter at @MSDynamicsCRM and #MSDYNCRM.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics CRM and ERP solutions empower your people to be more productive and your systems to last longer and scale as your business grows, while enabling you to derive the insights necessary to respond quickly in an ever-changing world of business.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

(1) Read the complete terms and conditions for the "Cloud CRM for Less" promotion at http://www.cloudcrmforless.com.

(2) "Microsoft Launches Dynamics CRM 2011," Nucleus Research, January 2011.

SOURCE Microsoft