New Features Of MS CRM 2013

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 (previously codenamed Orion) will be released for the on-premise and cloud editions of Dynamics starting October 2013. Because this is a major platform update, CRM Online customers will be able to choose a suitable time when this will be applied to their live database within a 90 day upgrade window. Microsoft began sending upgrade invitations in late July and CRM Online administrators will be able to pre-schedule date and timeslots within the 90 day window. We wanted to highlight the nine nifty new features that will be included in CRM 2013. 1. Forms New user navigation is designed to free up space and limit popup windows. This user interface follows that of Windows 8 tile menu. The new form structure is the default with the upgrade, but users and organizations can revert back to the classic form layout. 2. Command Bar A new command bar is shown in the top left screen for accounts, contacts, leads, opportunities and cases to progress close and create new records. As the lead example above shows, individual records can be qualified and disqualified from the bar. For cases and opportunities this area is used to resolve, complete and close these records. Users can also follow records using activity feed functions to receive updates about new posts on these items. 3. Record Header A header for each lead, case, contact and opportunity record is shown prominently in the top right corner. 4. Process Control A process control bar displays suggested tasks and steps that users should complete to progress leads, opportunities and cases making Dynamics CRM more prescriptive than the classic form User Interface. The current stage is highlighted in blue with information and below is checks that should be completed. For lead records, the later stages will be locked until each lead has been qualified. 5. Auto Save The auto save feature is automatically applied to existing records. Saving occurs automatically which saves users time.  Note:  Any customizations or workflows that launch upon the save of a record will need to be updated. 6. Skype & Lync Integration When a phone number is clicked in the new form interface, CRM will launch the default Skype or Lync application to connect the call if these applications are already installed. This process also opens a new CRM phone call activity automatically in the same screen that can be used to track information about the conversation. 7. Bing Maps Lead, Account and Contacts offer the use of Bing Maps. 8. People Pictures Images can be uploaded to personalize forms, contacts and leads. These images can also be used for product images so users can quickly identify needed items. 9. Yammer Integration Yammer integration with CRM allows users to collaborate on customer and opportunity records within the User Interface of both platforms. Yammer users are alerted to deal updates and changes to customer statuses regardless of their access to Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Users of CRM are able to post relevant customer information to Yammer from inside CRM records.