Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We are continually building our Microsoft Dynamics CRM frequently asked questions (FAQs) to cover the topics that you raise with us. If you have a question that is not covered here, please Contact Us so we can improve the information on offer.

1. What is Microsoft Dynamics CRM Software Assurance?

Microsoft Software Assurance is a 2 year ‘insurance’ policy that provides Microsoft Dynamics CRM customers with certain benefits. These benefits include online training, access to CustomerSource, Microsoft’s Home Use programme, some Microsoft Support Incidents and most importantly, access to upgrades and patches. Most Microsoft Dynamics CRM customers will have bought licences that include 2 years Software Assurance cover. Your Microsoft Partner or Large Account Reseller should contact you before your Software Assurance expires to offer you a 2 year renewal.

2. How can I buy Software Assurance?

Microsoft Software Assurance can be bought through a Microsoft Partner such as Gap Consulting, or through your Large Account Reseller if you have a Microsoft Select or Enterprise agreement.

3. How much does Software Assurance cost?

Microsoft Software Assurance costs around 30% of the price of your Microsoft Dynamics CRM licences. To get an up-to-date quote, please contact Gap Consulting on 0800 019 2406 and we will provide you with the latest pricing.

4. What happens if my Software Assurance expires?

If your Microsoft Software Assurance does expire you lose your Software Assurance benefits i.e. online training, access to CustomerSource, Microsoft’s Home Use programme, some Microsoft Support Incidents and most importantly, access to upgrades and patches. However, you do still have your Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution as it is.

If you do then decide that you want to upgrade your Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution, you would need to re-purchase your licences in full. This is obviously an expensive undertaking, and something that could be avoided by renewing Software Assurance in a timely manner.

5. Who is eligible for discounts on Microsoft Dynamics CRM licences?

Registered Charities, Education Settings and Government organisations are generally entitled to discounted Microsoft Dynamics CRM licences. It is always important to double-check this eligibility though, so please contact us so that we can confirm your licensing position.

6. How much does Microsoft Dynamics CRM cost in the hosted environment?

Hosted Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be purchased for as little as £24.99 per month per person, freeing you from unnecessary infrastructure and support responsibilities. Most hosting companies have a minimum order of 5 Microsoft Dynamics CRM users, and you can add to your user numbers as your business grows.

We advise potential hosting customers that hosting should not be seen as the ‘cheap’ option, it is more of a strategic decision based on how you want to manage your IT.

7. How much do Microsoft Dynamics CRM licences cost?

There are several types of Microsoft Dynamics CRM licences, and some are discounted for those in certain sectors e.g. registered charities. Licence prices fluctuate month by month, and we like to select the best value distributor for our customers. We are happy to provide you with up to date licence costs via email or phone. Please call 0800 019 2406 for more details or email emma.bannister@gapconsulting.co.uk

8. Does Gap Consulting provide training for Microsoft Dynamics CRM?

Training is an important part of any Gap Consulting Microsoft Dynamics CRM project, and we tailor customer training to satisfy their specific needs.

We are sometimes asked if we train people who have not been part of a Gap Consulting project. In this scenario, we advise people on a ‘case by case’ basis. We have to look at whether it is cost effective for the prospective customer to use Gap Consulting, and whether we can deliver the training they actually require.

9. I am a Microsoft Partner, what is my free Microsoft Dynamics CRM entitlement?

The level of licence entitlement is based on your Microsoft Partner 'type'.

Microsoft Action Pack (MAPS) - Are entitled to Workgroups server which is a maximum 5 user and 1 server ‘pack’

Microsoft Certified Partner – Are entitled to 1 Professional Server, 25 User CALs and an External Connector licence (limited to 3 servers and 100 CALs across an organisation)

Microsoft Gold Certified Partner – Are entitled to 1 Enterprise Server , 100 User CALs and an External Connector licence (limited to 3 servers and 500 CALs across an organisation).

Those partners with the MBS competency are also entitled to an additional 25 Microsoft Dynamics CRM user CALs.

10. Where does Gap Consulting work geographically?

Gap Consulting work throughout the UK and Ireland. Historically, we have more customers in the South of the country than the North.

11. What is the Microsoft ‘I hate CRM’ campaign all about?

Microsoft’s ‘I hate CRM’ is aiming to reach all those who have previously had disappointing experiences with CRM systems. Until Microsoft Dynamics CRM, CRM implementation projects have been dogged by:

• High costs of ownership
• Little or no return on investment
• Poor user adoption due to poor usability
• An inability to extract or report on CRM data
• A lengthy implementation project
• Shoe-horning processes into an inflexible product
• A heavy reliance on external knowledge

Overall, A CRM solution that does not live up to the sales pitch!

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is tackling this CRM negativity head on with a solution that users love, and that businesses can justify and rely on. For more information on this campaign, click here.

12. Are there Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4 books available?

Yes, there are a number of guides that you can buy - some are user focused, others are written for those implementing the solution. Please use the link below to find the resources you need:

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4 available books

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