Microsoft CRM Cloud Tutorial & A Handy Deployment Checklist
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Marcie Nguyen
Marcie is a skilled writer at Havi Technology focusing on creating content for marketing, eCommerce, point of sales, and ERP solutions. With over 8 years of experience in the retail, eCommerce and ERP technology sectors, Marcie is dedicated to providing insightful answers to business owners of all scales.
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If you have come so far in choosing to implement Microsoft CRM cloud, you are already halfway there. Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM can be hosted in the cloud, as well as it can be deployed on-premises. This decision can significantly affect how your business operates.
In this blog post, let’s discuss how and why using Microsoft CRM through the cloud is advantageous over on-premise hosting. We will also give you a compact checklist to follow for implementing a Microsoft CRM cloud solution.
About Microsoft CRM system
Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM is a suite of comprehensive AI-powered business apps that help you deliver an exceptional customer experience. These Dynamics 365 CRM apps are designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing operations. All your sales, marketing, service, finance, or supply chain data are fully integrated within a single hub.
Microsoft CRM Cloud vs On-premise
1. What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 cloud & on-premises
Microsoft CRM Cloud is a CRM and ERP solution that is fully hosted and run on Microsoft data centres. It has the enormous advantage of having the capacity to maintain the solution and at the same time, ensure enhancements, business continuity, and fault tolerance. This solution is ideal for those organisations that need simplified implementation with less IT hardware and infrastructure spending but still can leverage the best analytical and artificial intelligence tools.
Microsoft CRM on-premises operates within your own local data centre. This option offers organisations greater control over their infrastructure and data to allow them to meet specific legal and compliance requirements. As opposed to the cloud option, it requires users to take their equipment, software, and updates into their own hands, which means extra charges and complications.
2. Microsoft CRM Cloud vs On-premises
Each deployment model presents distinct benefits and drawbacks, which can greatly shape an organisation's selection depending on their unique needs.
Microsoft CRM Cloud
What are the benefits?
One of the main advantages of the cloud-based deployment model is cost-effectiveness. Operating on the cloud means that businesses will not have to invest in costly hardware. Since the system is hosted on Microsoft Azure, this saves on IT expenses by decreasing infrastructure maintenance costs and handling software updates. Another advantage is scalability, where instead of having to be bogged down by changes in hardware, businesses can scale up or down as they wish.
Further, cloud service users can get frequent updates that allow them to utilise new features more frequently than users of on-premises services. Businesses can get more robust analytics and automation by leveraging the cloud that offers fundamental machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Business Intelligence. Tools such as Power BI and PowerApps let users streamline the process and improve decision-making through data-driven insights.
What are the drawbacks?
Cloud deployment can only be accomplished when the internet access is ensured. This is less favourable for organisations that do not have suitable networks because slow or even unstable connectivity could disrupt the use of applications. Further, cloud data storage may accumulate a considerable amount of money over time, especially if your company has significant needs for data. Lastly, absolute restrictions over data access in some industry segments or geographic locations may render offsite storage not feasible due to such restrictions.
Microsoft CRM On-premises
What are the benefits?
On-premise solutions give organisations total control over their IT structures and data. By storing data within their local centre, businesses can afford to meet certain security and compliance requirements. On-premises users also have more control over updating processes and making decisions about the right modifications to be implemented. This deployment option makes it possible for big companies with a large IT structure to utilise their previous spending without being forced to switch to a subscription-based cloud service.
What are the drawbacks?
However, the on-premise model requires a higher Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to cover the necessary hardware while involving an increasing amount of maintenance costs. The servers need to be updated manually, recoveries should also be done manually, which makes it more labour-intensive as compared to cloud solutions. Self-hosted clients are also limited to upgrades because they cannot benefit from great cloud-only tools including machine learning from Microsoft, PowerBI integration, or advanced AI.
A Handy Checklist For Moving To Microsoft CRM Cloud
Implementing Microsoft CRM Cloud is not just about migrating your software to the cloud - it is all about reinventing your organisation. It is a huge shift and requires a mindset change where cloud computing has a large part in your strategy. This change is not limited to people, technology, procedures as well as leadership in general.
The following checklist, which covers the core stages from welcoming a cloud mindset to maintaining long-term operational success, will assist you in seamlessly implementing Microsoft CRM Cloud.
1. Cultivate a cloud mindset
Change your business processes: Take full use of SaaS tools that offer great benefits and facilitate ongoing development.
Avoid legacy system replication: Try not to attempt to replicate out-of-date on-premises experiences in the cloud. Benefit from the latest cloud features
Involve important stakeholders: Make sure that everyone is aware of the new solution's business implications, including developers and executives
Evaluate data control: Arrange your data and comprehend how your data estate will change as a result of moving to the cloud
Security & compliance: Before using the cloud to store data, get permission from your security and compliance teams
Assure cloud readiness: Ascertain that your staff is capable of overseeing, managing, and maintaining the cloud platform
Make use of automation and DevOps: Use Continuous Integration and DevOps techniques
Design for scalability: Craft a system that satisfies your existing requirements while being readily expandable for future expansion
Consider nonfunctional needs: Take into account elements such as user environments, device compatibility, and network latency
Optimise your data: To prevent problems with cloud performance, only transfer clean, well-structured data if you're moving from on-premises
2. Customise and extend thoughtfully
Recognise the impact of customisation: Assess how each customisation improves user adoption, efficiency, and decision-making
Adhere to best practices: To guarantee compatibility with upcoming upgrades, modify within the parameters of established extension approaches
Maintain innovative integrity: To preserve the ability to use future features, don't change the default data tables or models
3. Operations & long-term management
Get ready for ongoing support: Make sure you have the know-how, either internally or through a partner, to maintain and advance your Microsoft CRM system once it has been deployed.
Staying in the cloud community: To keep abreast of the most recent developments and product upgrades, and participate in industry events, online communities, and forums.
4. Next steps for cloud success
Develop a cloud mindset: Recognise the value of cloud solutions and get ready for the change
Consider the cloud specifications: Make sure your strategy takes Microsoft cloud-specific issues into account
Customise as needed: Discover how to modify cloud apps while adhering to best practices.
Work effectively: Recognise the best practices for post-deployment management of your cloud Microsoft CRM platform.
Keep up to date: Benefit from Microsoft CRM Cloud's frequent updates and new features.
Get Professional Help With Your Deployment
In summary, the specific requirements of your company will determine whether to opt for Microsoft CRM cloud or on-premises deployment. You have more control over your data and infrastructure on-premises, but you may only access the basic features and encounter higher maintenance costs. Dynamics 365 Cloud, on the other hand, provides more flexibility, scalability, and access to the newest capabilities; but, there may be certain challenges with data control, security and occurring costs.
Making the best decision ultimately comes down to knowing what your company's priorities are. As a trusted Microsoft Partner in Australia, our team is always ready to accompany you with the implementation journey.
Microsoft CRM Cloud - FAQs
1. Does Microsoft provide a CRM system?
Yes. Microsoft offers Dynamics 365 CRM, which is a suite of applications designed to improve and optimise your CRM procedures. The key apps include Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Insights, Customer Service, Field Service, and Project Operations.
2. Is Microsoft CRM cloud-hosted?
Yes. Dynamics 365 CRM cloud instances are hosted in Azure. Microsoft Azure is an internet platform that allows programs and services to be written, tested, deployed and operated from data centres globally.
3. Is Microsoft CRM part of Office 365?
No, Microsoft CRM is not a product in the Office 365 suite, though it has excellent integration features with it. Microsoft CRM offers a suite of customer relationship management applications in Dynamics 365, while Office 365 is a suite of programs that include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. The two types can be implemented simultaneously for efficient performance of business activities.
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