Microsoft Corp. is previewing the next major release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM ù code-named ôTitanö ù to a broad range of partners through the companyÆs Technology Adoption Program (TAP).

The new version introduces an advanced multitenant architecture and uses a single code base to support on-premises deployments as well as software-as-a-service (SaaS) deployments through hosting partners and through the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics Live CRM service, the company says.

The ôTitanö release is an evolution of the popular Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 product and will offer a smooth upgrade path for existing on-premises and SaaS customers, the company says. It reinforces MicrosoftÆs intent to provide customers with the the ability to choose on-premises or SaaS deployments and access CRM capabilities within Microsoft Outlook, through a Web browser, and from a range of mobile devices.

ôThe partner TAP program for æTitanÆ is another milestone in our strategy to deliver the power of choice to customers,ö says Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. ôOur partners are getting an in-depth look at the power and flexibility of the upcoming release as well as the terrific upgrade path that it will provide to current customers," he says."With early access to the new release, our partners can develop common offerings that span the (various) deployment options," he says.

Partners Comment on Customer Benefits

The ôTitanö TAP program includes approximately 300 partners in the first quarter of 2007, and will include over 1,000 partners in the second quarter of the year. Partners in the ôTitanö TAP program are building vertical applications, SaaS mash-ups, integration connectors, and other solution extensions, as well as providing valuable feedback to Microsoft as part of the program.

ôMicrosoft Dynamics Live CRM gives us another way to address our customersÆ needs,ö said Jason Hunt, chief technology officer, Invoke Systems. ôThe ability to write applications once on Live CRM and then run them anywhere allows us to bring vertical CRM solutions to our customers quickly and easily. The choice in deployment models allows us to keep our focus where it should be ù on delivering the right CRM solution for each customer.ö

ôThe æTitanÆ release is going to enable us to deliver a great set of CRM solutions to a broad range of companies,ö said Mike Snyder, principal, Sonoma Partners LLC. ôWe can deliver the right CRM solution for different companies based on their size, their business requirements, their user roles and their IT capabilities. If their needs evolve over time, we can grow with our customers, and provide them with a CRM platform that fits their needs for the life of the business.ö

Availability

The ôTitanö release of Microsoft CRM and the new Microsoft Dynamics Live CRM service are targeted for mid-2007. The Microsoft Dynamics Live CRM service will initially be available in North America; plans for international expansion of the service will be announced at a later time.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and supply chain management solutions that helps businesses work more effectively. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business.