Growing the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Opportunity, Part 2: Stepping up partner channel development and goals

Microsoft and its partners have
high expectations for the growth of Dynamics CRM in fiscal year 2016. With new
channel programs ramping up and CRM Online expanding its reach into 130
markets, Microsoft is expected to guide many more partners toward selling CRM.
Meanwhile, strong license and revenue growth in FY 2015 means that existing CRM
partners will see goals rise as Microsoft looks to scale the product and gain
market share.

In part
one of this series, we explored the experiences of several Microsoft
partners who chose to add Dynamics CRM to their portfolios. In part two, we
hear from Microsoft on its aggressive Dynamics CRM channel sales plans, as well
as specific observations from several of Microsoft partners about their experience
in adopting Dynamics CRM as a part of their own portfolio.

Positioned for Growth

Victor Morales, vice president
of Microsoft Dynamics’ Partner Sales & Programs, is bullish on CRM’s
prospects.

In a new interview, Morales
points to several programs as evidence of Microsoft’s efforts to expand and
improve the CRM partner channel: Path
to Partnership, Cloud
SureStep, Cloud
CRM Competency, the Open
Licensing Program, and the Cloud
Solution Provider (CSP) Program. The last of those, for example, allows
partners to own the customer relationship, manage and configure the service,
and bill on behalf …