Microsoft Launches On-Demand CRM Software into a Crowded Market
Microsoft is trying to reinvent itself as an on-demand provider of software services. And with its Dynamics CRM Online product, it's going hard after well-established players like Salesforce.com, SAP and Oracle.
One rather large leg up for Microsoft as it expands its Dynamics CRM and ERP lines is its Windows and Office franchises. "Although Microsoft doesn't have the track record of either SAP or Oracle in terms of supporting very industry-specific business processes,it has the Windows and Office monopolies which is a huge, huge advantage," Wilson says.
In addition, all CRM and ERP vendors are trying to make these applications easier to use, especially as they target the mid-market. And that could be a huge advantage for Microsoft. "What better way to do that then let people remain in Outloook and use that interface to access the [CRM or ERP] functionality," Wilson says. "Microsoft knows Outlook better than anyone else and has a tremendous advantage to leverage that."
