Recently as of the time of this writing, Microsoft took yet another step in the direction of making it easier for business partners and clients to add customization to its BI suite of software. (BI stands for business intelligence.)
Microsoft has released its Dynamics CRM Analytics Foundation. This is a bundle of customizable documentation and source code, and it’s for free to all users of MS CRM software. Clients and business partners can build on the tools found in this bundle for the creation of customized BI applications, or simply use them as they are found.
Microsoft is just one of the sellers of CRM software that is now endorsing what it calls BI for the masses, which essentially comprises the implementation of real-time metrics, information, and data in a format that is usable by all staff members and not confined to upper management. Microsoft is hoping that by selling the software that enables this, it can increase its own sales volume of CRM software.
Microsoft’s Dynamics CRM software draws upon Microsoft’s data analysis and management software programs including its SharePoint Portal technologies, Visual Studio suite of...