CRM UK - the official blog of the CRM specialists at TSG

Microsoft’s Cash Back Offer to New Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Subscribers in the UK

As an independent CRM specialist, Concentrix TSG provides a selection of CRM solutions and will only recommend the products that we feel are right for our client’s businesses. This means that the products must be able to deliver what the client is looking to achieve within a reasonable timescale and at a cost-effective price.

There are of course a wide variety of good quality CRM software products available, but Microsoft Dynamics CRM has always been one of the most popular solutions we recommend. The cloud version of the product, called Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, has been growing in popularity since its launch in the UK in early 2011. It offers almost identical functionality and flexibility as the on-premise version (which has been around a lot longer) but is a subscription-based cloud solution.

One of the key advantages of deploying Microsoft Dynamics CRM in the cloud is that it becomes an operational cost rather than an up-front or capital expenditure. It’s charged on a per-user, per-month basis at much less than its competitors. In the UK it’s currently only £29.50 per user per month.

Between now and the end of June 2012, UK businesses can claim a serious amount of cash back if they sign up to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online with 30 users or more. If you’re new to the product (i.e. you haven’t deployed it in your organisation before) Microsoft will give you £101 for every Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online licence you subscribe. So for example if you sign up for 30 users, Microsoft will give you £3030, or 100 users £10100. This continues right up to 500 users, in which case you’ll get £50500!

This is a pretty outstanding offer. You’ll receive real money (as opposed to credits or discounts on other products or services) which you can spend however you want. This could be, for example, on implementation, configuration or training services, to offset the costs of switching from legacy software, or even an extremely good night out!

If you’re thinking of deploying a new CRM solution in your business and have 30 users or more, taking advantage of this offer will deliver a major reduction in the financial risks involved. If you’re using competitive CRM software and you’re finding it difficult to use, that the costs are mounting up or it’s just not doing what you want it to, the cash-back offer provides a strong reason to change solutions to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

What’s also great about this offer is that the terms and conditions are straightforward. Your organisation needs to be new Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, and must sign up to a two-year Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online subscription. You have to claim the cash within a fixed time limit, and to have been subscribed to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for at least 30 days before you claim. You can’t use this offer in conjunction with one or two others from Microsoft, or if you’re a government agency (including educational and military).

For full terms and conditions, to discuss your CRM project, or for more information about the cloud CRM for less offer in the UK please contact Concentrix TSG. Both Microsoft Dynamics CRM on-premise and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online are great CRM solutions, but this doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone’s business needs. Other popular solutions include products such as Sage CRM and FrontRange’s GoldMine. As we always take a product agnostic approach, please contact us to speak with one of our CRM consultants as they’ll listen to your needs and be able to advise you on the most appropriate product or products for your organisation.

Changes to the Microsoft Partner Programme – TSG Gets Gold Competencies in Server Platforms, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Portals and Collaboration!

Over the past couple of years, Microsoft has made some major changes to its partner program. Accredited Microsoft Business Partners used to be categorised by Gold, Certified and general tiers. Partners were awarded certification on a points-based system, and working with a Microsoft Gold Partner gave you the assurance that the partner was qualified, experienced and trusted by Microsoft to deliver its products and services.

As the network of Microsoft Partners expanded across the world and the experience and expertise of its business partners grew, there became a lot of partners certified to the highest level (Gold). So from a client’s point of view, with quite a few Gold Certified Partners around, how could you differentiate between them? If you’re looking at an ERP solution such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV for example, and you have three or four local partners , each certified to Gold and offering that product and related services, how do you tell which is more suited in terms of specific qualifications, technical expertise, product experience and business knowledge?

This is one of the reasons Microsoft revamped the way it certifies its partners. Microsoft has now replaced its Gold, Certified and general accreditation partner rating system with a more specific and more stringent competency-based programme. Microsoft Business Partners are now accredited as Gold or Silver in a specific competency area or areas. They are no longer accredited as Certified or Gold Certified as a company.

The phased out partnership programme was pretty general and although it served a purpose for a long time (this is the first time the programme has had a major overhaul in many years), the business environment has moved on.

Although at first glance these changes may seem subtle, they’re actually of real significance to Microsoft Business Partners. They’re also, more importantly, of major significance to businesses and organisations that are clients of, or are considering working with Microsoft Business Partners. It’s arguably the biggest change to Microsoft’s partner channel that the software company has ever made.

From a business partner’s point of view, the programme is tougher, there’s no getting away from it. But it makes sense. You’ll now be able to find a Microsoft Business Partner that is specifically certified to the business area you’re looking at and to a level of expertise you require. The more stringent and focussed accreditations provide a much higher level of assurance, reliability and business expertise to clients and potential clients.

Under the old partner programme, both TSG and Concentrix (now part of the TSG group) were Microsoft Gold Certified Partners. In case you haven’t seen it yet, TSG recently published a press release announcing how we achieved not one but three Gold Microsoft Competencies. So already, TSG is a UK Microsoft Partner with Gold Competencies in Server Platforms, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Portals and Collaboration.

As a company TSG is really proud that we’re among only one per cent of the 650,000 Microsoft Partners worldwide good enough to achieve this standard. To earn a Microsoft Gold Competency, organisations have to complete a rigorous set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, have the right number of Microsoft Certified Professionals, submit customer references and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction by participating in an annual survey.

This quote from TSG’s Chief Executive Officer David Stonehouse sums up the pride he has in TSG’s very capable employees,

“As the highest level of accreditation Microsoft offers its partners we are extremely proud of these achievements, especially as it’s a reflection of the hugely talented team here at TSG and I can’t praise them enough, our people really are our strength.

This was a very challenging process, with significant investment, Microsoft raised the bar last year by introducing their new competencies strategy, allowing for some differentiation of core capabilities within the Partner Network.

So to achieve recognition as one of the Microsoft Partners considered to be worthy of Gold Competency really is the icing on the cake and our customers can now have even greater confidence that their Gold Accredited Partner can deliver sound IT solutions".

For more information about the full range of TSG’s products and services or our formal accreditations and qualifications, please visit www.tsg.com or contact your TSG account manager.

Why You Should Choose ERP Software with a Clear Road Map and Statement of Direction

As independent business software specialists, here at Concentrix TSG we will only recommend an ERP solution that we feel meets the real needs of our client’s organisations. As well as functionality, features, flexibility, costs, expected return on investment and other factors that make a particular solution the right ‘fit’ with a business, it’s also important that the product is provided by a stable and proactive vendor. In other words, an established software provider that will not only look after the product, but listen to its customers and actively update, improve and develop it in the years to come.

Individuals, businesses and other organisations that are investing in an ERP system for the first time, or replacing a legacy system, need to be absolutely sure that the software has a long-term future. They need to know that the vendor will continue to invest in the product’s development, while delivering innovation and technical enhancements. It’s also important that the vendor maintains and supports older versions of the software for a reasonable time without forcing upgrades on its user-base: the majority of businesses want to upgrade, but in their own time!

No-one wants to invest in an ERP solution and be left with an unsupported, outdated or underdeveloped piece of software. Businesses want to get maximum return on investment, as quickly as possible. They want a system that will carry on working for them, delivering benefits, cost-savings and process improvements as their businesses expand and adapt to changing environments.

Most leading ERP software vendors regularly update and publish a product roadmap, statement of direction, or similar documentation to keep their customers, potential customers and business partners fully up to date with the plans for the software. For example, the UK business software provider Sage usually releases a new version of Sage 200, its mid-market ERP solution, around June each year. This is preceded by a variety of documentation and information about the product.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is one of the most popular Dynamics ERP solutions in the UK, and Microsoft recently published an updated Statement of Direction for this product. This new document provides current and potential users with a clear outline of the ‘headline’ forthcoming product enhancements, and delivers strong assurance on the product’s future. It provides a look into the short, medium, and longer-term development plans for Microsoft Dynamics NAV, while enabling businesses to plan and get the very best out of their ERP software investment.

Microsoft updates its Statement of Direction for Microsoft Dynamics NAV fairly regularly. Although there are rarely (if ever) any surprises in terms of change of focus, direction, or strategy, it is important to note that the regular release of a statement of direction demonstrates that Microsoft is firmly committed to Microsoft Dynamics NAV. It shows how Microsoft is developing Microsoft Dynamics NAV with technical innovations and the addition of powerful features, enhancements and product functionality.

The next major product update, ‘Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7’, is scheduled for release in the latter half of 2012. However, there’s an exciting and long-term future clearly laid out for Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and an updated roadmap shows the features, functionality and enhancements in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7, plus versions 8, 9 and beyond.

As well as being committed to regular product updates, Microsoft also shows commitment to organisations that want to upgrade in their own time. This is by providing mainstream support for older versions of the software for at least five years after its first release. So for example, if you purchased Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0 in April 2007, you’ll have full support available until April 2012. Then, if you want to continue with that same version of the product, you can purchase an extra five years of extended support. This helps make sure you get an excellent return on investment with whatever release of Microsoft Dynamics NAV you start with.

We recently published a post over on the erpsoftware blog which discusses the key points from the latest Statement of Direction for Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and how it shows there’s a great future for the product and its users.

For more information about the latest Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Sage 200 or other ERP solutions, please contact Concentrix TSG - UK ERP Specialists.

CRM Anywhere: What's New in the next release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011

There’s a new update to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 coming soon. The update, called ‘CRM Anywhere’, is due for release in the UK in the second quarter of 2012. CRM Anywhere will provide some exciting new additions and enhancements to both on-premise and online versions of the product.

Microsoft is committed to regularly addressing customer demands and ensuring they keep Microsoft Dynamics CRM in line with (and usually ahead of) industry trends. This is by delivering consistent development and frequent innovation to the product. In practice this means a significant update roughly every six months. Importantly for new and existing users alike, the additional features and functionality in the next release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM are really quite major.

So what’s in stall with ‘CRM Anywhere’?

One of the major features of CRM Anywhere (or the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Q2 2012 service update to be more specific) will be cross web browser support. In other words, you’ll be able to use Microsoft Dynamics CRM on different web browsers including Safari, Chrome and FireFox, as well as Internet Explorer. You’ll also be able to access Microsoft Dynamics CRM on a wider range of smartphones using a cloud-based mobile CRM service called Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile will include a range of CRM applications (apps) for the most popular smartphones and tablets. The devices you’ll be able to use it on include the Windows Phone, Apple iPhone 3GS+, Google Android, RIM Blackberry, Apple iPad and iPad2. You’ll have to buy a license for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile, but each licensed mobile user will be able to access Microsoft Dynamics CRM on up to three of these devices. Or, because Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 will soon include cross-browser support, you could access the ‘non-mobile’ or standard version using your tablet’s browser, but it won’t of course be specifically designed or set up for mobile viewing or use.

An enhancement in CRM Anywhere that will help users that need to view information really fast, is called Rapid View Forms. These show information in read-only forms, which load extremely quickly. If a user then needs to edit the form, they just click a button. Users can choose whether or not to load a form in rapid view mode, which in many cases will save a lot of users a lot of time and increase overall business efficiency.

If you’re using Activity Feeds, which are the micro-blogging and social collaboration capabilities introduced in the previous update of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, you’ll find the CRM Anywhere update has added some more features. These include ‘Likes’ and ‘Unlikes’ and powerful new filtering. This illustrates Microsoft is really on board with the whole social media/social CRM concept.

There are a whole range of other enhancements in the latest update of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (and nearly all apply to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online as well as on-premise). These include the ability to harness the power of the next release of SQL Server (Microsoft SQL Server 2012) and its powerful Business Intelligence capabilities (with templates), portal framework enhancements for those that use customer and partner portals connecting to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and industry specific templates.

The name “CRM Anywhere” sums up this latest product update nicely. It means that Microsoft Dynamics CRM will provide more flexibility in mobility than any other CRM software solution available. You’ll be able to access and be productive with it just about wherever you are, using a smartphone or tablet device more or less of your choice.

For more information about Microsoft Dynamics CRM, its features, functionality, more details of updates, or how to successfully deploy the product in your organisation, please contact Concentrix TSG.

Concentrix TSG is one of the UK’s leading Independent CRM Specialists.

CRM software: Verticalise, Customise or Build Your Own?

An article published recently on the software advice blog discussed whether businesses should choose a vertical-specific CRM solution, purchase CRM software and customise it to their needs, or build their own.

It’s an interesting article because the customisation and verticalisation of CRM solutions are closely related. What’s more, the case for building your own CRM system is not one we’ve seriously come across in a long time, despite having our ears very much to the ground.

Verticalisation and Customisation

Modern CRM solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Sage CRM are incredibly flexible. They allow anyone (with the right permissions) to personalise and configure their workspaces. They also allow system administration level users to configure a greater variety of fields, workflows or processes. More advanced configuration, or customisation (which uses development skills) is usually beyond the scope of client businesses as it requires more advanced technical and development expertise with a particular product. That’s why you hire a business partner.

Verticalisation is basically extensive or advanced configuration and customisation. The majority of modern CRM solutions can only be sold through certified and accredited business partners. Many (probably most) of these business partners will specialize in key verticals. This means, not only do they have extensive experience of the product, they also have experience of each sector, the way it works, its ‘language’, challenges and issues. They will often have vertical solutions, based on a particular CRM product, which they can implement quickly, incorporating best-practice techniques and processes, at a reasonable price without having to ‘reinvent the wheel’.

So, one of the key factors to remember when choosing a CRM business partner and the CRM solution(s) they provide, is to look at their skills, experience and niches. Ask for references, site visits and case studies relevant to your particular sector. Not only will you get a better, more powerful CRM solution, you’ll get exactly what you want, developed and supported by experts, at a fraction of the price, resources and hassle of developing it yourself. And because you’re using a proprietary CRM solution, you’re not reliant on one business partner, and the product has the support of a strong organisation such as Sage or Microsoft.

Build Your Own CRM solution?

It's very difficult to justify or recommend building your own CRM solution from the ground up. With the amount of time, expertise and resources that have been applied to the development of products like Sage CRM, Microsoft Dynamics CRM and other well-known, ‘best of breed’ CRM solutions, creating an in-house solution that gets anywhere near the power, functionality or ability to provide rapid return on investment is going to be a very difficult task. Most modern ‘big name’ CRM solutions have been developed over a number of years by a wide range of people with extensive experience and skills. The products have been carefully planned to meet the needs of today’s organisations and had input from experts in business, usability, working processes, sales, marketing, customer service, as well as technical, development, design and much more. They can be customised to meet your requirements, include ‘best practice’ CRM workflows and processes, and have additional features and functionality at a fraction of the cost of developing your own solution. They are extremely affordable – for example Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is available in the UK for only £29.50 per user per month. There may be additional costs– if you want to configure, customise or verticalise your solution this will be extra, and there are usually training and support costs, but even so this is minimal in comparison to building a CRM solution from scratch.

If you need more information on CRM software, including customisation and verticalisation, or are considering building your own CRM solution, please contact independent CRM specialists Concentrix TSG.

Find Out More about Sage 200 Business Intelligence with these Free Online Seminars

Sage 200 is one of Concentrix TSG’s most popular products. It’s a great ERP solution for organisations that have outgrown entry-level accounting software, such as Sage 50. Sage 200 is also ideal for businesses that need modular, easy to deploy, feature-rich ERP software that will bring together all your key processes.

Based on customer feedback (as well as some of the lively discussions in our regular Sage 200 user-groups), Sage 200’s Business Intelligence functionality is one of the most exciting features of the product. In a nutshell, Sage 200 Business Intelligence provides cost-effective reporting and analysis, helps maximise your productivity and minimise costs to achieve a real competitive advantage.

With full management dashboards, Sage 200 Business Intelligence delivers a unified and integrated view of your data. The powerful analysis and reporting, presented in an easy to understand format, means you can make better decisions because you’re working with timely and accurate information taken direct from your Sage 200 system. 

If you’re looking for an introduction to Sage 200 Business Intelligence and to find out how it can give your business the competitive edge, why not book on to one of TSG’s free online seminars? They’re a great way to find out more about Sage 200 BI, without having to leave your office!

TSG’s next free Sage 200 Business Intelligence online seminars are on Tuesday 7th February 2012. We’re running two seminar sessions on the same day to suit your schedule: a morning session, between 9.30am and 10.30am, and an afternoon session, 2.30pm-3.30pm. Registration is essential - please visit the events section of TSG’s website to find out more.

For organisations that have Sage 200 Business Intelligence already set up and want formal training to really get to know it, Concentrix TSG regularly runs intense, in-depth day courses. The courses are discounted for existing Concentrix TSG (and TSG) customers and offer great value. Please contact [email protected] for further information.

What Do You Think about IT Teaching in England’s Schools?

As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of IT products and services, TSG employs some of the very best IT professionals in the industry. But, despite the current economic climate, it’s not always easy to find the really good people we need. That’s one of the reasons we invest a lot in staff training, including our own Graduate Training programme.

The recent announcement by the UK government that it’s replacing the current information and communications technology (ICT) curriculum in England’s schools with a more flexible curriculum in computer science and programming, has started a lot of discussion within our business.

Nearly everyone has to use IT these days: it’s part of everyday life. As well as teaching children and young people to use IT, we also have to ensure we nurture the ones that have a natural affinity for computing. These will be the people that are able to develop programmes, create new applications and move IT forward in the future.

Graham Wylie, Chairman and founder of TSG, was recently interviewed live on BBC Radio Newcastle about this subject. You can hear the full interview with Graham on BBC Newcastle’s iPlayer listen again facility at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7cc. It’s for the programme recorded on 11/1/2012, and Graham’s interview starts at 0:36:41. Please note this link is time sensitive.

What do you think about IT teaching in England’s schools? If you have any thoughts or comments, please let us know! Or to find out more about the current IT vacancies and opportunities at TSG, please get in touch!

The next Sage 200 User Group and Sage 200 Business Intelligence Training Course

If you’re a current Concentrix TSG Sage 200 customer, you should have received your invite to the first Concentrix TSG Sage 200 User Group of 2012! In case you haven’t, it's taking place on Wednesday 18th January at our offices in Mountsorrel, Loughborough.

Melvin Fletcher will be joining us to show Datalinx’s Mobile Ordering & Delivery system, which uses the latest in handheld and tablet technology to allow quick and easy transactions on the move. Dave Parker from Sage will also be joining us to talk through Sage news and the Sage 200 Wish list.

The Sage 200 User Group will also provide an opportunity for a chat with your Account Manager, so please get in touch if you’d like a meeting and we will schedule one in.

Don’t forget we are also running a Sage 200 Business Intelligence training course on Thursday 26th January. The course is open to everyone, with a discounted price for current customers. Using Sage 200 for Business Intelligence will help you quickly and efficiently analyse data, make better and more informed business decisions, and gain an in-depth understanding of what’s really happening throughout your business, so it's well worth using. The course will guide you through using Sage 200 Business Intelligence, based around the Sage 200 Commercial modules.

To register for the User Group, to submit your questions or arrange a catch up with your account manager please complete the fax back form that you received with your invite or email [email protected]. You can also email us to find out more about the Business Intelligence training course, or call us on 01509 410500. Of course, if you need any further information please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Find Out About Microsoft SharePoint at TSG’s Free Events in the Midlands

Microsoft SharePoint is Microsoft’s fastest growing business software solution. But finding out just what it does and how it can benefit your business is not always straightforward. That’s why in February 2012 TSG is holding free SharePoint events in the Midlands.

Microsoft SharePoint is a highly flexible business collaboration platform which delivers solutions for a massive range of business requirements, no matter how unique your business processes are.

SharePoint allows your staff to share ideas and expertise, search for information and increase the efficiency of a wide range of processes. You can use SharePoint to set up websites to share information, manage documentation and gain access to business intelligence – improving decision making across your entire organization.

If you’re considering Microsoft SharePoint for a future project or looking to build on or expand your current SharePoint set up, then February’s Microsoft SharePoint events will be well worth attending. Taking place in Birmingham and Kettering the events provide your business with the ideal opportunity to understand SharePoint, learn more about its features and benefits, and show you why SharePoint is the business software everyone’s talking about!

These free events are taking place on the 8th February 2012 in Solihull and on the 9th February 2012 in Kettering. Both events are divided in to different morning and afternoon sessions. You’re welcome to join us for both sessions or just to attend one, and lunch and refreshments are included. Pre booking is essential, so please use the following links to register:

Moning Session: Introduction to the Benefits of SharePoint

Afternoon session: Improving Information and Business efficiency with SharePoint

TSG recently ran several similar events in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Durham and Manchester which were quickly booked up. The events also received great feedback, so to avoid disappointment please register your place as soon as possible.

We Wish You a Happy and Prosperous New Year - from Everyone at Concentrix TSG!

2011 was a really exciting year for all of us at Concentrix. It saw the launch of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for the first time in the UK, some powerful new functionality in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, and Sage CRM taking some major strides forward - especially with Social Media integration.

On the ERP front, the release of Sage 200 2011 in the summer unveiled some great new features (and we still love demonstrating it on the iPad!) while Microsoft Dynamics NAV provides incredible flexibility for a mid-market ERP solution. With the offer of five licences for £1800, Microsoft Dynamics NAV is currently the solution of choice for many UK organisations - especially small businesses getting started with ERP for the first time.

The biggest development for Concentrix however was our acquisition by the Technology Services Group (TSG). This has opened up a whole new world of skills and resources for us and we hope this has carried through to our customer base with better expertise, stronger services, a greater product range and improved support, account management and customer care.

So to all of our clients, customers, suppliers and friends, a very happy and prosperous 2012 from everyone at Concentrix TSG!