Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Microsoft Dynamics CRM and the iPad - Better Get Moving, Microsoft

I assume out of the gate that SalesForce.com can run on the recently released iPad. It's a browser app. Why shouldn't it? Good for SalesForce.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is an entirely different animal. Even though CRM is a "browser app" it requires Windows IE - can't run it on Mac IE or Firefox or Chrome or Opera or anything else. Kind of defeats the purpose of being a browser app, in my opinion.

And who is one of the largest target demographics for the iPad? Mobile Sales Professionals! While it may pain Microsoft to have to play well on non-Microsoft OS's and browsers, if they want to stay relevant in this space, they better get moving.

And yes, the iPad can terminal service in and run IE virtualized from Citrix, etc... but why should you have to? If I were SalesForce.com, I would be marketing this for all it's worth.

17 comments:

CWR Mobility said...

Download CWR Mobile CRM. A true iPhone/iPad client for Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Brian said...

An iPhone App is not the same as an iPad app. When are you guys releasing an iPad version?

Also, native apps (while good and very beneficial) should not be required to access a web app. Not required for SalesForce.

The CRM Business said...

Just wondering - has anyone tested the out-of-the-box Microsoft CRM Mobile functionality on an iPad?

Since Rollup 6/7 CRM mobile has been pretty solid, and works great from HTML4 compliant devices, including iPhone.

iPad isn't available in the UK yet, however I suspect that CRM Mobile would work...

Anonymous said...

I tried CWR's app on an ipad it crashed right away. I'll buy 240 copys of the first ipad based app that works with MS CRM 4.0.

CWR Mobility - Erik van Hoof said...

We have tested CWR Mobile CRM on several iPads and we have not heard of any crashes. Can you please contact us to make sure what the problem is?

If you want to buy 240 copies, we will turn CWR Mobile CRM into a full iPad client with native resolution support!

John said...

"a full iPad client with native resolution support" would be of big interest. Am in the process of looking into an innovative use of Dyanmics CRM for some very highly mobile staff, offline functionality is a must as geography dictates no always on connection. Could be worth 200 copies or so if it works.

Brian said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brian said...

If you are interested, please reach out to our Vice President in charge of our xRM practice. We are doing a ton in the mobile space specifically around occasionally connected access.
His name is Matt Rosen:
matt.rosen@parivedasolutions.com

MikeA said...

Tried CRW Mobile, just like a non-IE browser it won't connect. Also the CRW website leaves a lot to the imagination whereas instructions and/or support are non-existant.

Keven Sprehe said...

I agree that the current CWR website does not describe the configuration/installation process very well. Many people don't realize there is a server component that needs to be installed on the CRM server. We are using it on iPhone, iPad and Blackberry with great success. Take a look at this URL if you are interesting in hearing more, we can help you get a free trial or demo setup.

CWR-Ledgeview Quickstart Program

Jeffry @ CWR Mobility said...

I agree we have some work to do on our main website. Our documentation however is on our public wiki at http://wiki.cwrmobility.com.

Numenes said...

If you want a native iPhone App for Microsoft CRM that works:
- disconnected
- without any server / website component
- without specific setup
And replicates MS CRM...
Just try iDcrm at www.numenes.com
For iPad we'll release a native iPad solution for the 1st September 2010

Aldo Zanoni said...

Brian, I thought you might be interested in hearing about how Riva provides transparent access to Dynamics CRM contacts, appointments (including service appointments), opportunities, cases, ... on your iPad.

http://www.rivacrmintegration.com/2010/sync-crm-ipad/
http://www.rivacrmintegration.com/microsoft-dynamics-crm/

Best regards,

Aldo Zanoni
www.rivacrmintegration.com

Anonymous said...

Half baked efforts at silly prices. Move on.

Anonymous said...

Insightful article, Brian. That Riva integration software for the iPad looks good - http://www.rivacrmintegration.com/sync-crm-ipad/

I'm going to give it a try because I need to integrate Dynamics CRM to the native address book and calendar on the iPad.

Anonymous said...

Very disappointed!
I installed CRM's iPad app, only to have it crash, after 2 contact entries. I'm not taking a chance! This type of app is "mission critical", I want my money back!!! oh yeah, guess I have to call India ?x!x?

Michael Pincosy

Anonymous said...

I forgot to mention the app is from crmmobileplus.com, and purchased through ITunes. It crashed in ten minutes, and I'm going to trust it with thousands of entries, and variables?
You also have to pay $44.00 per month for the Microsoft on demand cloud server.
At a price of $99.00 for the app, that immediately crashes, your better off with a Rolodex, and a Day-Timer !!!
Who wants tech support from India? I once lost a job to out-sourcing.

"there are no problems, just solutions" but not from them.

Michael Pincosy