The Second Shot promotion is back! Register now for a free second try on a MS certification exam

Good news for those who missed out last time: the Second Shot promotion is back!  This means you have no excuses delaying on that next Microsoft Certification.  Register at the link below, because it’s always good to keep that voucher number handy. Second Shot landing page http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/default.mspx Full message from Microsoft: Our Second Shot offer, [...]

Microsoft’s latest statement outlines big plans for the future of Dynamics CRM [PDF download]

If your business or career involves Microsoft Dynamics CRM, this is probably the announcement you’ve been waiting for.  Microsoft released a statement today addressing several important topics on the future of Dynamics CRM.  You can really tell they believe in the software and has big plans for it in the future. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Team Blog released a document [...]

Must-read article regarding Microsoft and CRM, plus interview with Steve Ballmer [PDF]

Wow, lots of CRM news to catch up on this week!  Destination CRM Magazine has an excellent piece regarding the history, competition and future of Microsoft CRM.  There’s a Steve Ballmer interview discussing the concept of “xRM”, an interview with Microsoft CRM General Manager Brad Wilson, and more. Download a PDF copy, or visit the [...]

New solution accelerators announced for Dynamics CRM 4.0

I couldn’t attend the Microsoft Partner Conference in Houston, so I missed what looks to be a very cool announcement.  Microsoft announced that it will soon release some freely-available solution accelerators for Dynamics CRM 4.0! Solution accelerators are tools designed to save time, increase your productivity, and enhance CRM 4.0 functionality.  I’m looking forward to [...]

Last chance to register and take your Second Shot exam! [deadline: June 30]

As I mentioned in a previous post, bummer on my first CRM exam.  Luckily I had registered for the Second Shot promotion, which allows me to take it again for free. However, time is running out.  It appears I need to register and take my second exam before June 30th, when the Second Shot voucher [...]

Dynamics CRM 4.0 exam study guides ready to download from PartnerSource

Lately I’ve figured the new tricky CRM 4.0 exams deserved their own lolcat picture (right). Luckily, I’ve found some study resources that may help for my Second Shot exam. In a slightly hidden section on the PartnerSource website are links to download the Student Manuals for the CRM 4.0 certification exams. Obviously they don’t give [...]

Latest lesson: Don’t underestimate the CRM 4.0 certification exams!

The CRM 4.0 certification exams are now available! I admit, I was a bit overconfident before I took the CRM 4.0 Applications exam. I’ve been working with Microsoft CRM for many years now, so I wondered: “Really, how hard could it be?” I took Exam MB2-632 last Friday and got an unfortunate 60% grade. I [...]

Xobni: an intelligent filter for your Outlook Contacts (free beta download)

Having Xobni in Outlook, I’ve noticed it’s starting to fundamentally change the way I view my Outlook contacts. It’s like a dynamic mini-dashboard for your e-mail contact history and metrics. The easy way to remember Xobni’s name is that it’s an anagram of the word Inbox. After installation, Xobni takes a few minutes to index [...]

60 reasons why you should upgrade to Dynamics CRM 4.0 (white paper download)

If you’re looking for an excuse to implement or upgrade the newest 4.0 version of Dynamics CRM, I now have 60 reasons ready for you. This should be a must read for those evaluating Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for their business. Just to list a few: Reporting Wizard that allows you to create and run [...]

Hilarious pic: Mac vs. PC

As always, Mac and PC fans rabidly defend their favorite OS all over the internet.  I usually prefer to stay out of it, but at this Reddit.com entry I found the latest and funniest salvo from an apparent PC fan. The comments page (warning: NSFW language) has several entries worthy of Comedy Gold. A Linux [...]