Microsoft getting into hosting
CRN.com | at | by Mike
Starting next spring, customers will be able to get hosted CRM from Microsoftas well as from hosting partners.
At least thats the plan the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant has now, sources said. Microsoft hopes to have hosted CRM available in the second half of 2006, with hosted Dynamics ERP likely to follow, sources said.
Howard Diamond, CEO of ePartners, Dallas, said hosted CRM is a natural for Microsoft and does not see a conflict with his own hosting business. "CRM is a funny thing. Its the only Microsoft Business Solutions product that is also covered by Enterprise Agreements, so I make more money on the services than the product anyway. This is a logical evolution of the product that I need to do the service sales I want.