Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Non Profits

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Facilitated by Linda Widdop, NPower PA

Session Description

NPower has been working with Microsoft Community Affairs team and the Dynamics Team to develop a set of templates for use with Dynamics CRM called the Non Profit Accelerator. This accelerator transforms basic CRM forms, fields and functions into a non profit centric solution – mainly around donations and event tracking. NPower is working with clients to develop other functionality such as case management. The accelerator works in both the hosted and on premise version of Dynamics CRM. NPower staff likes the versatility of the Dynamics system to integrate into existing network infrastructure or cloud architecture of our clients. Join Linda to discuss the possibilities of deploying and managing Dynamics CRM as a solution.

Session Notes

Linda and Sam from NPower PA

Microsoft Dynamics - CRM

Disclosures:

  • Microsoft funds NPower
  • NPower uses Salesforce CRM

Dynamics is a platform that Microsoft uses that runs on Sequel

  • Dynamics can be installed on a local server.
  • Available on TechSoup
  • $10/user/month nonprofit pricing for the SaaS option for Dynamics
  • For users who are familiar with Microsoft-centric stuff, it feels familiar to Word, Excel users
  • Also integrates with Outlook
  • Export data to Excel, CSV or XML
  • Completely integrates with the Microsoft stack
  • Works with Exchange

Dynamics doesn't have the user-community for something like an Apps-Exchange where it can talk to other apps like Vertical Response

Raiser's Edge is built on Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft is trying to get more branded with their platforms which in the past have been the unspoken basis for tools like Raiser's Edge and CareWorks. Microsoft is trying to break out of the mold where people develop on top of their platform but there's no kind of loopback to share what people have done.

"This is another tool that I've got in my bag." 

It's important to check out Microsoft Dynamics as one of many options.


Microsoft Dynamics is a good option for those looking for something that tightly integrates in Microsoft products that are already there like Outlook, Word and Excel

Microsoft Dynamics has a hosted option. You can install it on your own server and have control of your own data. -You can create/code custom add-ins for Microsoft Dynamics

If you have it onsite you have a lot more options for reporting by just writing a sequel query.

Dynamics is very javascript-heavy.

Microsoft Dynamics hosted is Internet Explorer ONLY! -is targeted at service-based organizations and sales

Workflows in Dynamics -You can set up triggers -You can send emails -create tasks, change status, owner -cross-object workflows

Some basic things on Salesforce can't be done on Dynamics

You can export your customizations as XML and transfer to another build of Dynamics somewhere else

If you're not using the Microsoft WIndows ecosystem at your organization, you're out of luck. It's super hard to get Dynamics to work effectively.

Dynamics is definitely targeted toward developers or tech-savvy people

If a Dynamics user wants to move to Salesforce? -It would be really really really hard -However, you have access to the database. All the data is there but it's just a big issue to get it out in the way that is user-friendly to transfer

You can go offline, make your changes and when you come back online, it will sync up.

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