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Analysis of Microsoft CRM vs. Outlook 2003 Business Contact Manager
| Q: |
How is Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager different from Microsoft CRM? |
| A: |
There are several key differences between the two applications: |
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Functionality: Microsoft CRM is a full CRM system while Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager
is a single-user business contact management application. Microsoft CRM offers rich CRM functionality,
such as account and contact management, order management, account hierarchies, lead management,
competitive tracking, workflow support and customer service functionality, while Outlook 2003
with Business Contact Manager gives small businesses rich contact management functionality to
help users manage customer contacts, accounts and sales opportunities.
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Architecture: Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager is a single user desktop application
which natively extends the features of Outlook 2003, while Microsoft CRM is a client-server
application that works in a multi-user environment.
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Integration: Both Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager and Microsoft CRM integrate
with Office applications. Microsoft CRM additionally offers deep integration with ERP
systems and 3rd party applications through SOAP/XML integration.
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Configuration & Customization: Microsoft CRM can be configured to meet a specific business'
particular needs and configurations with customizable data schema, forms and business
process. Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager is designed to meet the contact
management needs of small business users out of the box.
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Target Market: Microsoft CRM is targeted at businesses with 25 to 500 employees and at least
$5 million in revenues. Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager is aimed at businesses
with fewer than 25 employees and less than $5 million in revenues who predominantly need a
single-user contact management solution.
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Deployment: Microsoft CRM requires IT staff to set it up, as well as some additional Microsoft
technology, such as Windows 2000 server, Active Directory, SQL Server and optionally,
Exchange Server. Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager works out of the box in
recognition of the limited IT resources and knowledge available to small businesses.
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Distribution: Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager is included as part of the Office
suite, while Microsoft CRM is sold separately through reseller partners.
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Pricing: A direct pricing comparison is difficult because the two products are sold
under different pricing models. Microsoft CRM follows a client/server pricing model
and a full deployment can cost $5-$100K. In contrast, Outlook 2003 with Business
Contact Manager is included as part of Office 2003.
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| Q: |
Does the Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager user interface leverage Microsoft CRM's user interface? |
| A: |
Because Microsoft CRM offers additional functionality and multiple access methods (Outlook or HTML client), it has a different user interface from Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager. Both applications offer extensive integration with Outlook 2003, such as e-mail/task/schedule integration and an activity history.
Outlook 2003 Business Contact Manager Screenshot
(click for larger image) |
| Q: |
What are the functionality differences between Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager and Microsoft CRM? |
| A: |
This table highlights the key differences in functionality. |
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Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager |
Microsoft CRM |
| Core Accounts* |
Yes |
Yes |
| Core Business Contacts * |
Yes |
Yes |
| Core Business Opportunities* |
Yes |
Yes |
| History tracking for Acct, Contacts, Opportunities |
Yes |
Yes |
| Requires Outlook |
Yes |
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| Customer Service Module |
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Yes |
| Integration with ERM Apps |
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Yes |
| Multi-User support |
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Yes |
| Allows Customization with ISV infrastructure |
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Yes |
| Supports Workflow and process |
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Yes |
| Extensive Customizable Reporting |
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Yes |
| Accessible from a browser |
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Yes |
*Microsoft CRM offers much richer functionality for Accounts, Business Contacts and Business Opportunities.
| Q: |
What's the upgrade path from Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager to Microsoft CRM? |
| A: |
Users who start with Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager can seamlessly upgrade and import their data to Microsoft CRM when their business needs require a more powerful solution. |
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Attend one of our Microsoft CRM webinars
or view a previously recorded event. Get the insider details on Microsoft CRM.
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