Microsoft is attempting to redefine its customer relationship management solutions with a new approach that follows the general trend of traditional content migrating online. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is set up as an on-demand CRM service, completely hosted and managed by Microsoft, bringing to the table comprehensive services, sales and marketing capabilities. According to the company, customers will be able to enjoy increased flexibility and familiarity, as well as reduced costs if they turn to the on-demand online version of the customer relationship management service.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is of course an illustrative example of the efforts Microsoft is pouring into building its overall software plus services strategy. The company explained that the new integrated business solutions, served as services over the Internet are a direct consequence of multibillion-dollar investment focused into global datacenters. "At Microsoft, we're revolutionizing how companies deploy marketing, sales and service solutions to users within their organization," said Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM at Microsoft.

All that end users will need in order to access Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online will be a browser, but the service is tailored by default to integrate with Office and Outlook. "Microsoft Dynamics CRM delivers the power of choice to customers, with a familiar and productive user experience and a multitenant platform that enables fast on-premise implementations or 'instant-on' deployments over the Internet."

Customers have two options available when it comes to the new customer relationship management service hosted by the Redmond giant, namely Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Professional and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Professional Plus. The Professional version can go as high as $44 per user per month and offers a complete CRM suite, plus 5 GB of storage, 100 configurable workflows and just as many custom entities. In contrast, Professional Plus builds on top of the offerings associated with the Professional option, delivering 20 GB of storage and 200 configurable workflows and custom entities, for $59 per each user per month.