Over the years Microsoft has had a few directions/suggestions for users to take if they want a mobile experience with Microsoft Dynamics CRM. I want to give an update on the latest so that users know what options are available. As the latest release from Microsoft is available later this month the mobile vision may change but for now this is the direction to follow. I usually suggest that new CRM deployments only include the standard Outlook client and then after users are comfortable with this easy to user interface, then add a mobile solution to enhance their experience. As you may remember from one of my past posts Top 5 Reason Why CRM Users Should Be Excited for Dec 2012 Update with the December release CRM will now be multi-browser ready, which means using the traditional CRM interface innately on tablets should now be an option. The options below are available for both CRM online and on-premises via IFD. If you want something more agile but not as robust as the standard CRM interface, then consider the following:
CRM Mobile Express
This is the “out-of-the-box” CRM mobile experience today. It is good for looking up standard Account/Contact info on your mobile device to call or visit them. Anything beyond that, I would not even try it. This is very limited option but it is ready to go, with just a few minutes of configuration you can have access to your data on a mobile client immediately. This is your no-cost solution (for licensing).
Resco
Resco is the latest player in this space but the most impressive. The user experience on any mobile device (except for Blackberry) is very strong. Users will love the look and feel and it is very easy to add custom fields and entities. You can give it a try at no-cost by going to the app store on your mobile devise and downloading. It is that easy. To customize you will need a partner like us but some changes are very simple. Resco uses one customization tool across all platforms. It has very cool GPS/Mapping and Signature capturing. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts.
CWR Mobility
CWR has been the go-to mobile partner for some time. They have a great track record and many clients throughout the world. If you are looking for a Blackberry solution this is the only way to go. Microsoft gave them the endorsement earlier this year and they have a nice user experience. There is a little more administration with a CWR deployment than Resco and the price point is a little higher. Take a look for yourself and let me know your feedback.
There are other players available in this space but most of those do not have the market following as the two companies mentioned above. Bottom line, take a look for yourself at both Resco and CWR and see what makes sense from an user experience, admin and cost perspective and make a choice for yourself. To learn more contact me and/or click on the hyperlinked names above.
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