Dynamics 365 has specifically been created to offer a seamless transition for those customers using Dynamics CRM online or Dynamics AX online.
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Toward that end, the new platform will be tightly integrated with Office 365 and constructed on a common data model with Microsoft’s Cortana voice-based intelligent assistant and its PowerBI data visualization platform natively embedded in the apps.
As this solution provides SaaS, the combination of Dynamics 365 and Office 365 will link the structured workflow of business apps with the unstructured work of collaboration and productivity. The company also launched a new business app marketplace called Microsoft AppSource, where partners can list their custom apps for customers looking for line-of-business solutions.
“We imagine a better world for business users everywhere”.
Microsoft did not specify if or how the launch of Dynamics 365 this fall will impact its existing Dynamics CRM and Dynamics ERP products – both the on-premises versions and their cloud-based counterparts.
Dynamics 365 apps have modular designs, allowing customers to deploy each app independently as it is needed, and pay for each one separately. Dynamics 365 will also contain several new apps promised to “help manage specific business tasks” such as financials, field service, sales, operations and customer service.
The software company will unify its cloud offerings that help run back-office functions such as human resources and financial management, collectively known as enterprise resource planning – or ERP – with its sales tools, known as customer relationship management, or CRM.
AFS Retail Execution, an end-to-end solution that packaged goods manufacturers can use to engage with customers in the field, from the visit and merchandising stage, to sales, to asset management and audit.
AvePoint “Citizen Services” – Government organizations can automate incident reporting, response, and resolution, so employees can solve issues faster and serve citizens better.
The new store appears to offer a broader selection than that of Windows Store for Business, which Microsoft debuted last autumn.
Complimenting the platform is a new app store, AppSource, which will distribute those business-focused cloud applications from the vendor and third-party developers.
For ISVs, Microsoft offers a global network of business customers through co-marketing opportunities, lead generation, and the support of Microsoft’s worldwide ecosystem and sales force.
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AppSource, meanwhile, provides Microsoft’s business users with a search engine-like database they can use to look up and try out more than 200 business SaaS apps, add-ins and content packs from Microsoft and its partners.
