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Aug 29, 2008 
Microsoft is now hosting a free 60 trial version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM at http://www.hostedmicrosoftcrmtrial.com/signup1.aspx. It’s pretty nice in that it offers some guidance on how to use it and it’s fully functional.
Here are a couple of thoughts I have about it:
1. No Microsoft Outlook
It uses the browser-based web version of Dynamics CRM and not the version that runs from within Microsoft Outlook.
When you buy a license of Dynamics CRM it includes both versions and you can decide to use either or both depending on your needs. Most companies are really interested in the Outlook version because that’s where sales, marketing, and service people spend a good part of their day.
So, what I’m getting is while this trial is nice it’s not showing a critical part of Dynamics CRM which might not give you a full idea of what the system is capable of.
2. Mixed Feelings on Trials
I tend to feel trials are more suited toward basic software that doesn’t need to be customized. Like photo organizer or scrapbook software.
Dynamics CRM is an easy to use application that offers a lot of built-in features and functionality. The trial should do a good job of showing you how it looks and its basic functionality.
My concern is some companies may have questions that the trial may not give a clear answer on. I’ve heard comments like “I can’t believe it doesn’t have (a specific feature)” when it actually does have the feature. Or it doesn’t have the feature but it could easily be added.
If you’re evaluating Dynamics CRM and the trial answers your questions, great. But for companies who may have more complex needs the trial doesn’t address, then what? I would suggest contacting a Microsoft Dynamics CRM consultant or consulting firm specializing in Microsoft Dynamics CRM and ask them to help you with your evaluation. They should be able to answer your questions and show you how the product works based on your unique needs.
When I do a demo for a company I always suggest that we lightly customize it by adding some data fields, changing names, and adding some of the company’s data. I then walk through a “day-in-the-life” of a user like a salesperson or executive. This always gives them a better idea of how the system could work for their unique company.
So in summary, the trial is great but it may not be enough to help you see how well Dynamics CRM fits your company.
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