Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 New Features Book Review

In late November I let you know about a new Dynamics CRM Book that I planned to review, “Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 New Features” written by Dynamics CRM MVP Jim Wang and Microsoft employee Darren Liu.  I finished the book and want to share my impressions with you. 

The first thing I noticed is the no-nonsense approach.  Beginning with Chapter 1, the authors jump directly into building and configuring Dynamics CRM.  In going through the book you will learn to work with CRM by building a solution for an Airline company. You’ll also gain experience installing Microsoft Dynamics CRM & SharePoint 2010 in a virtual environment.

One thing you’ll want to understand is that the book’s target market is people who want hand’s on experience with configuring and extending the CRM application.

Here are a few key highlights that I think will help you determine if this book is right for you:

• Requires a certain level of technical expertise to setup the environment (instructions provided), ensure everything is working as expected and troubleshoot issues if they arise.
• CRM Project you work with mimics a real-world experience to include objective, scope, and functional requirements.
• Nice mix of custom and out-of-the box entities leveraging relationships and other standard CRM features
• Points out feature improvements and enhancements between versions
  • CRM 4 & CRM 2011
• Walk through of customization steps with screenshots to include:
  • Creating and adding fields to forms
  • Customizing Form navigation
  • custom Entity creation
  • Solution and solution management
  • Site map and ribbon editing
  • Other commonly used customization features
• Learn to use the data import wizard to include:
  • Creating an import template
  • Data map
  • Import file setup
  • Working with duplicate detection
• Client side scripting to include:
  • Using Web Resources
  • Calling Web Resources in forms, form & field events
  • Use of SOAP & Rest Endpoints, and JavaScript
• Server side programming to include:
  • Web Services methods and messages
  • SDK Assemblies
  • Query data
  • Plug-ins
  • Using the Developer toolkit
• Create a workflow and dialog and understand the difference
• Implement and configure SharePoint integration with CRM for document management
• Work with Dashboards and Charts
• Implement the Customer Portal solution with complete steps for configuring, deploying and testing.

I think you’ll agree that this is a pretty amazing list of features and functions to cover in one book. 

If your goal is to get your hands dirty while you learn then this book will definitely meet your needs.   If you use this book the way it was intended then you will learn how to implement, configure and extend the Microsoft Dynamics CRM product.

Hands down, this is a terrific resource for anyone who wants to gain immediate hands-on experience with CRM in a real-world scenario.

Another CRM Book for Your Reading Pleasure

I’ve been asked to review the latest Microsoft Dynamics CRM book.  I’m looking forward to completing that review this month and will share my thoughts with you when finished. 

The book is titled “Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 New Features” and written by two of my favorite people; Jim Wang and Darren Liu.  I’m sure I am going to enjoy reading the book and learn many new things about CRM as these two have a lot of great product insight to share.

If you would like to join me this month in reviewing the book you can pick up a copy at PAKT Publishing.  Once you’ve completed your review, please feel free to add your comments to this post or send your them to me and I will incorporate them into my final review. 

Cheers

Need Some Network Time with Your Peers, Dynamic MVP’s, Microsoft & Knowledge Experts?

 

Then this is your opportunity! 

 

If you want to participant in terrific roundtable discussions with Dynamics Users, Administrators, MVP’s, Microsoft staff and other Knowledge Experts while gaining insight into the current Dynamics products like CRM, NAV, GP and more, then this event is for you. 

Don’t miss this year’s opportunity to participate in vibrant round table discussions, select from Break Out or Training sessions that include learning about Workflows, Forms Scripting, Plug-Ins, Reporting, Best Practices, Optimization & much, much more. Yes, you’ll also learn about CRM 2011 to include a review of Upgrade Scenarios! 

Review the information below and register before September 24th to take advantage of the discount.  We look forward to seeing you there!

A great way for you to be successful, and to ultimately help drive your company’s growth, is to attend CRMUG Summit 2010 – the premier annual conference for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Customers, CRM User Group Partners and key Microsoft Dynamics CRM team members. CRMUG Summit will occur October 25 to 28 (with optional training courses on October 25 and 29) at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fl.

A jam packed agenda with 50 breakouts sessions, including the traditional roundtables, presentations, Microsoft Conduits, and Partner Showcase Theatres. This is the biggest and best agenda ever for the CRMUG Summit!

Quick Stats from Summit 2009:

• 94% of CRMUG Summit 2009 attendees rated the content & speakers Above Average!
• 85% rated Above Average for the value in Networking with others at CRMUG Summit 2009
• 91% rated Overall Value of CRMUG Summit 2009 Above Average
• 98% of the AXUG Summit 2009 attendees stated they would attend again or recommend others to attend!

Register for CRMUG Summit at: https://www.regonline.com/CRMUG_summit_2010, but hurry prices increase after September 24^th!