What we like about the Microsoft Dynamics CRM client for Outlook

There are going to be two versions of the CRM client for Outlook:

1. Microsoft Dynamics CRM client for Outlook
2. Microsoft Dynamics CRM client for Outlook with offline access

We've started testing the pre-release CRM 4.0 RC0 version of the client, and there are a number of improvements that we think our users will benefit from:

• Much simpler installation - as a hosted service provider, we spent a lot of time assisting users with installing their CRM client, so this will save everyone a lot of time.
• Improved stability - Microsoft has worked hard to improve the stability of the client which should alleviate the need to repair or re-install the client from time to time.
• Automatic Updates - as Microsoft releases CRM hot-fixes or update roll-ups they will automatically be installed on your CRM client for Outlook.
• Access to all the functionality - some functionality, particularly the Settings area, was available only in the web-client, but now all the web-client functionality is available in the Outlook client too.
• Company names sync with Outlook contacts - finally!
• CRM Phone Calls sync as Outlook Tasks - it was always awkward having to explain to a user that in order to get a reminder about a future phone call they should set an appointment. So this is a useful improvement.
• Simplified Outlook CRM toolbar - Microsoft has simplified the CRM toolbar in both the web client and Outlook clients making it cleaner and easier-to-use.
• Track multiple emails - you can now track many emails with a single button click, and even un-track them the later if you need to.

The new CRM 4.0 clients for Outlook are supported on Outlook 2003 SP1 and Outlook 2007. Users running Outlook XP/2002 or earlier will need to upgrade to use the CRM client for Outlook.