Below, we’ve compiled a Glossary of widely used xRM industry terms.
Microsoft .NET Framework is a unified, robust and multi-functional programming model for building applications that have aesthetically pleasing user experiences. This platform delivers seamless, secure communication and the ability to model a range of business processes.
Microsoft Unified Communications enables unified messaging and allows end users to access all types of messages (email, voice mail, video, fax) from a single source. Through this powerful collaborative tool any activity or message can be easily transferred to another. These features are available within an organization, between organizations, and with external users through an internet connection.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM is much more than a traditional CRM package. A good way to think about it is as a rapid development platform with out of-the-box functionality and modules, which allows end users to quickly integrate and add custom applications. Because it offers a Native Office user experience, user adoption rates are high and time-to-value is rapidly achieved.
Microsoft Office offers a set of interconnected desktop applications, servers and services for Windows operating systems. Introduced in the late 1980s, the first version included Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Over the years, Office applications have been further integrated. They now share such features such as a common spell checker, OLE data integration and Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications scripting language.
Windows Server 2008 is the most recent release of Microsoft Windows' server line of operating systems. Released last year, it is the descendant of Windows Server 2003, and is built on a Windows NT 6.0 kernel. A second release, called Windows Server 2008 R2, is being developed.
Microsoft SQL Server provides businesses with an intelligent data platform. As a relational database management system for the enterprise environment, it enables business to run mission-critical applications. Other benefits include reduced time and cost of development, and comprehensive management of applications.
Microsoft Exchange is a widely used business messaging system which includes groupware applications, a mail server and e-mail program. It is often employed in conjunction with Microsoft Outlook, and exploits its collaborative features, such as the ability to share contact lists and calendars.
Vista, formerly code named Longhorn. Vista has a significantly redesigned user interface called Aero, which stands for "authentic, energetic, reflective and open." Other enhancements include a faster and customizable search engine and an XML-based specification for creating documents similar to Portable Document Format (PDF) files.
Windows Mobile combines a compact operating system with a set of basic applications for mobile units that run Microsoft Win32 API. Among the devices using Windows Mobile are Pocket PCs, smart phones, Portable Media Centers, and certain on-board car computers. In terms of look and feel, it is designed to be somewhat similar to the desktop version of Windows.
Performance Point Server is Microsoft’s offering for the intelligence business sector and allows companies to make sense of customer data. The product offers full integration with Excel and SQL Server and provides a planning and budgeting module. It also offers monitoring and analytic capabilities.
Microsoft Project Server leverages Windows SharePoint Services as its foundation, and utilizes both a web interface and Microsoft Project as the client application. It stores project information in a centralized database, shielding it from corruption and unauthorized access. Security is controlled by a Project Administrator that defines user and access rights.
Visual Studio.NET is a visual programming language used for the creation of Web services based on XML. It comes with the .NET Framework, and provides a visual interface for identifying programs as Web services, forms to build user interfaces, debugging and application data integration features.
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) is a Web portal-based platform that enables document collaboration and Web services management. Users are able to create shared workspaces, applications, blogs and wikis.
On-Premise CRM implementations necessitate the purchase of all hardware and software. The solution is installed on a company’s local area network and managed on site. Some businesses prefer the comfort and security afforded by this traditional model. However, up-front costs are high and often prove to be a pain point.
Hosted CRM deployments involve a company outsourcing some or all CRM functions to an application service provider. The Hosted CRM model increases ROI by lowering costs and allowing a company to focus more resources on its main business areas. It also allows businesses to test out the software before going for a full investment through the On-Premise environment.
Hybrid CRM solutions provide companies the ability to leverage Hosted services while purchasing software and installing it On-Premise. Lowered costs are achieved by paying for the licensing via a subscriber access license through the Hosted model. Benefits also include flexibility and a speedy implementation.