Developing solutions for Microsoft Dynamics CRM just became even more enticing!

The first 100 partners who complete self-testing on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 beta and profile their solutions on the Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace will receive a $400 voucher to be used toward the Certified for Microsoft Dynamics (CfMD) CRM 2011 accreditation.

Visit PartnerSource to review Terms & Conditions as well as additional information.

--Kevin

On August 2010, we launched a new marketing initiative labeled the Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral Program to increase our lead flow by creating a financial incentive for partners who currently do not focus on Microsoft Dynamics, to forward such opportunities to Microsoft. The Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral program offers partners who meet the program requirements up to $20,000 in compensation when they submit new leads that result in sales transactions within 12 months. The Referral fee is calculated as 5% of Microsoft’s billed revenue up to a maximum of $20,000.

Learn more about the Lead Referral Program by watching the video found on the Microsoft Dynamics Partner Strategy page on PartnerSource.

"The Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral Program has given us a much better way to refer leads to other Microsoft Dynamics partners. Previously, we had to seek out other VAR’s on our own, negotiate case by case terms, and then manage each of these relationships. The program is much easier with a lot less administrative overhead on our part."

"We occasionally get leads that are outside our region or skill set. We are glad to have an easy channel where we can refer a lead to a partner better equipped to meet their needs. We realize that the more quality implementations of Microsoft Dynamics that take place, the better it is for all Microsoft Dynamics partners."

Valerie Huffman, Vice President
KeyQuestConsulting, LLC

The program covers the current Microsoft Dynamics solutions, regardless of whether the transaction happens in Volume Licensing, goes through the Microsoft Dynamics price list, or if it is sold as an on-premise or online offering. Solutions sold through the Service Provider License Agreement are not eligible for Referral fees though, as the SPLA partner is viewed as the licensee. Referrals pertaining to customers in the public sector are also excluded from this program for legal compliance reasons.

Getting started as a referral partner is easy, and only requires that partners have an active status in the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). Partners can be at any level in MPN, and are not required to have a competency of any kind. Organizations that do not have an active status in MPN, can easily sign up via the MPN site in minutes.

As an existing Microsoft Dynamics partner there are multiple ways for you to actively participate in the program through the submission of leads.

1. Build your vertical specialization and grow your trusted advisor status by helping your customers get access to other Microsoft Dynamics partners who specialize in selling and implementing CRM or ERP solutions in specific industries or verticals outside of your business’ core competency. For example, if you are a manufacturing focused partner, and you uncover a banking industry opportunity, it may be advantageous for you to use the referral system to assign this lead to a partner focused on the banking/finance industry. Also, by building vertical expertise in your organization, it may increase the likelihood that you will receive a qualified lead from Microsoft submitted by a referral partner.
2. Extend your customers’ entire Microsoft Dynamics solution. As a partner focused specifically on Microsoft Dynamics ERP, you can use the program to connect with CRM partners if your customers indicate a need for a CRM solution. The same scenario would apply for CRM customers seeking ERP functionality.
3. The program is global. As a partner based in the United States, you can submit leads for international companies. This is especially beneficial if your company does not have a global presence or the ability to handle an implementation overseas.
4. Help determine the best fit ERP solution. Each of the Microsoft Dynamic ERP products has strengths that lend themselves to specific customer needs. The Lead Referral Program offers partners an opportunity to refer prospective customers that are in need of a Microsoft Dynamics product they are not authorized to sell and service to a partner that is certified to deliver the required solution to meet the customer’s requirements.

Additionally, for Microsoft Dynamics partners that have great direct individual partner-to-partner (P2P) models in place, the referral model may not be the best option at this point. Either way, we encourage Microsoft partners to pass ERP/CRM leads directly to other qualified partners or through the Lead Referral Program.

Finally, take some time to study an overview of the new Microsoft Partner Network, and specifically the Microsoft Dynamics ERP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Competencies. This PartnerSource page includes a Presentation Deck and a Guidebook with details around the program and an FAQ that answers many of the questions you may have related to training and sales requirements to continue your current status with Microsoft.

You can sign up for the Lead Referral Program through PartnerSource or on the MPN portal.

--Kevin

Our fabulous partner readiness and training team passes along this information regarding some great training taking place next month. This workshop enters its third year, and always receives favorable feedback from partners!

You’ve heard the buzz about ’the Cloud’… but what does that really mean to you as a Microsoft Dynamics partner? Where do ERP and CRM fit and how quickly will customers adopt these solutions in a cloud environment? This year’s much anticipated Business Leader Roadshow continues to build on the tradition of the ‘not-to-be-missed’ series by taking partner business owners to the heart of what the Cloud means to their Microsoft Dynamics practices. Led jointly by Microsoft and Salesworks the one-and-a-half day session will to help you chart a plan for a Cloud-based practice that makes the most of market opportunities today and in the future.

You will Learn:

• Where the Microsoft Dynamics solutions fit in Microsoft’s Cloud Strategy
• How the Cloud will affect a fundamental paradigm shift in customer buying behavior and how you do business
• What a business transition to the Cloud looks like
• How to assess where you stand today and how you can prepare for where you want to be tomorrow
• How to optimize to reduce costs and achieve maximum efficiencies

Target Audience

Microsoft Dynamics Partners who are engaged in senior leadership roles, owners and board of director members.

Price $250 USD NOTE: Space is Limited!

Preliminary Agenda

Day 1: 1:00pm– 6:00pm & 6:30-9:00 Evening Reception

• Microsoft Dynamics and the Cloud
• Key Trend Lines and Observations
• Competitive Landscape
• Market Opportunity
• Assessing Where you Fit Today and Where You Need to Go

Day 2: 8:30am – 4:00pm

• Microsoft Support for Transitioning to the Cloud
• Operational and Financial Models in a Cloud Environment
• Key Performance Indicators and the P&L Transition Over Five Years
• Optimizing the Sales & Marketing Functions
• Compensation and Incentive Structures
• Service Impacts in the Cloud
• Outsourced Functions
• Putting it all Together

*Agenda subject to some change.

Visit the Partner Learning Center to register or learn more.

Locations and Dates

Microsoft Office
Irvine, California
January 12 – 13, 2011

Microsoft Office
Chicago, Illinois
January 19 – 20, 2011

Microsoft Office
Tampa, Florida
January 26 – 27, 2011

Hurry! Space is limited so register today.

--Kevin

Some pretty exciting Microsoft Dynamics CRM news to pass along today. For complete details be sure to visit the Microsoft News Center website.

REDMOND, Wash. — Dec. 6, 2010 — Microsoft has issued an ‘Open Letter’ to Salesforce.com customers inviting them to switch to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

The letter was posted in the Western regional edition of today’s Wall Street Journal, complemented by a news release, and coincided with the start of Dreamforce, the annual Salesforce.com customer conference. With the letter, Microsoft aims to convince attendees that its customer relationship management (CRM) solution offers more value, said Jamie Fiorda, group product marketing manager for Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

As part of the letter, Microsoft announced a "Cloud CRM for Less" offer. Now through June 30, 2011, Microsoft will rebate eligible Salesforce.com and Oracle customers up to $200 for each user to make the switch to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. The offer can be applied for services such as migrating data or customizing the solution to meet unique business needs. Full terms and conditions can be found at CloudCRMforLess.com.

--Kevin

This new "Jump Start" user guide provides Microsoft Dynamics small business partners with a simple and easily accessible guide to the Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step methodology.

If you are not familar with Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step, this document does a great job of explaining the methodology at a high level, especially for small and mid-sized partners.

The user guide should be regarded as a supplement to the existing materials and it contains a number of document templates for use in Microsoft Dynamics projects. The templates in some cases are adapted to requirements of "Small Business" customers.

Visit PartnerSource to download the user guide.

--Kevin

Register now for Convergence 2011 and encourage your customers to do the same! Research shows that customers who attend Convergence with their partners invest more money and have a higher level of satisfaction with the software and services they purchase. This year Convergence, the premier Microsoft Dynamics event, will be held April 10–13, 2011, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Bring your customers and take advantage of this huge opportunity to boost your revenue and strengthen customer relationships.

The Convergence 2011 theme is Connect | Discover | Exceed—three words that tell the story of what attendees will experience at this annual event. Partners, customers, and Microsoft team members CONNECT with one another to reinforce and extend their Microsoft Dynamics communities. Attendees DISCOVER new information, best practices, and skills. As a result, Convergence becomes a springboard for greater success, helping attendees EXCEED their goals and expectations for what they can accomplish with the power of their Microsoft Dynamics solution and the full range of Microsoft products.

Start by generating excitement with your customers and encouraging them to attend. Download a "Save the Date" customer email invitation and other marketing templates.

Learn more at the Convergence website.

--Kevin

Here is what Microsoft partners have to say about the success and growth they have found utilizing the training and coaching services offered by the Microsoft Partner Development Centers (PDC).

You can find additional PDC success stories on PartnerSource.

--Kevin

Our worldwide pricing team has implemented these changes to the Microsoft Dynamics price list publication rhythm.

In order to better align with the ERP sales cycle and to help partners streamline the administration process for placing orders, Microsoft Dynamics is pleased to announce that the Microsoft Dynamics Price Lists will be released on a new quarterly rhythm beginning in January 2011. This change originated directly from your feedback in our annual Microsoft Dynamics Operations Partner satisfaction survey. Microsoft values partner feedback and we want partners to know that we are listening and continuously working to make every interaction as simple as possible.

The new quarterly rhythm will help ensure that our Partners will have:

• A pricing and licensing change cycle better aligned to the ERP sales cycle
• More lead time and awareness of upcoming changes to Dynamics pricing and licensing
• Reduced administrative burden associated with obtaining the Price Lists each month

Visit PartnerSource for more information including the quarterly cycle schedule, transition period, and FAQ’s.

--Kevin

Doug Kennedy, Vice President, Microsoft Dynamics Partners, has provided a very insightful update regarding the Certified for Microsoft Dynamics (CfMD) program. Please take the opportunity to educate yourself on the announcement by visiting PartnerSource.

--Kevin

We are excited about the upcoming launch of Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011. Please take the time to review the our forthcoming availability announcement on the Microsoft News Center. The new product release will be generally available in the second quarter of 2011 in English in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. Availability of a Spanish version for Latin America will be announced later.

Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 raises the bar for productivity, performance, and growth with the familiar user experience your people need, operations and insight that deliver results your customers want, and new ways for project-driven organizations to adapt—and thrive—in a connected world. We want you to get ready and for every Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 web seminar that you attend (Live or On Demand) from the list of titles, you will be entered into a drawing for one of 10 Home Theater Systems!* Plus, watch the US Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 Partner Training page on Partner Source for additional training as it becomes available.

*For official rules click here.

Eligible Web Seminars (all times Pacific Time) are listed below and links to the web seminars can be found here:

We’re excited about the opportunities associated with this new release and the future as highlighted in the Statement of Directions for Microsoft Dynamics SL.

--Kevin