Microsoft CRM Custom Design & Development: SDK, C#, SQL, Exchange, Integration, Crystal Reports

Microsoft CRM is new player on the CRM software market. The whole conception behind CRM seems to be different. In case of traditional CRM software (Siebel, Oracle) - the application was designed with platform independence in mind. Microsoft CRM is dedicated to Microsoft technology and so deploys all the Microsoft tools: Windows Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange 2003/2000, SQL Server, Crystal Reports Enterprise, Biztalk server, Microsoft Outlook, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Great Plains as backend, etc.

If you are software developer, database administrator or web designer who is asked: how do we customize Microsoft CRM ? we are giving you directions in this article.

  • Microsoft CRM SDK ? this is software development kit with C# and partly VB.net code samples ? it is supported by Microsoft Business Solutions technical support. It is based on web service calls, if you are C# .NET developer ? you are excellently positioned to do this type of customizations. This is the preferred modification scenario and this should be easily upgradeable customization. VB.Net examples will be available soon.
  • Legacy SQL Data integration. This is also easy and safe. If you have SQL database, sitting on the same or linked SQL Server ? you can create ASPX .Net application and simply integrate it into CRM. You can place it on the navigation bar or menu in isv.config ? please refer to MS CRM SDK
  • Legacy ASP integration ? this is somewhat more sophisticated. You have to deploy HTTP handler to be a middle party between CRM which is .Net based and ASP which is legacy IIS. The trick is ? you have to have INI file with security settings to penetrate into MS CRM with proper credentials, calling web service.
  • Microsoft Exchange Programming. Microsoft CRM has Exchange connector ? which moves CRM incoming email to MS if it has GUID in its subject. You can alter this logic (for instance - move email to CRM if it doesn't have GUID but it is from the sender who is contact or account in MS CRM). Refer to MS Exchange SDK onsyncsave event handling. Then simply apply some MS CRM SDK programming - you need some COM+ objects creation and VB programming experience.
  • Direct SQL touch ? in #4 above I described you the scenario with MS Exchange handlers ? this would be ideal world if MS CRM SDK does the job. But ? in real world this is not always true ? you have to do direct flags correction in CRM database (like making Activity closed, moving email attachments/octet streams, etc). This is not supported by MBS technical support ? but you can rescue to this technique if you have to get job done.
  • MS CRM Customization tool ? this is rather end-user tool and we don't describe it here ? read the manual. We've described above the options to use when this tool doesn't do the job
  • Crystal Reports - feel free to create Crystal report - tables and views structure is self explanatory. Try to avoid the temptation to create your own SQL view or stored procedure in MS CRM database, instead - create custom database and place your view and stored proc in it.
  • Happy modifying! If you want us to do the job - give us a call 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com

    Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer in Alba Spectrum Technologies ? USA nationwide Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Great Plains customization company, based in Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Canada, UK, Australia and having locations in multiple states and internationally (help@albaspectrum.com), he is Dexterity, SQL, VB/C#.Net, Crystal Reports and Microsoft CRM SDK developer.

    shuttle from O'Hare Brocton .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
    In The News:

    Unitree, a Chinese robotics company that developed a backflipping robot, has now introduced a humanoid robot capable of doing a side flip.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    According to the FBI, cybercriminals are sending extortion letters, threatening to release victims' sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.
    FireSat is a satellite project designed to detect and track wildfires early, aiming to detect a fire that's the size of a classroom within 20 minutes.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reports that researchers have uncovered a Chrome vulnerability used in a cyber espionage campaign.
    Preserving voicemails securely on Android: Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals easy methods to keep memories alive forever.
    This phishing kit bypasses 2FA via session hijacking and real-time credential theft. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers four ways to stay safe from Astaroth phishing attacks.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic planning to launch 200-mph U.K. air taxis linking airports and cities.
    Fake Apple virus warnings, security alerts and messages are tactics used to prompt you to call a number or click on a malicious link. The CyberGuy explains how to protect your devices.
    The combination of artificial intelligence and neuroscience allows a paralyzed man to manipulate a robotic arm by using his brain to imagine movements.
    With the help of artificial intelligence, sophisticated fraud techniques emerging today are virtually undetectable to the untrained eye.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    If you need to free up space on your Mac, consider deleting duplicate photos in your image library. Apple makes it easy to do, and the CyberGuy explains the process.
    Microsoft is discontinuing Skype in May after 22 years of service. Kurt the CyberGuy addresses other options for internet-based phone and video service.
    Tron 1, a Chinese company's two-legged robot, is versatile and can walk, roll and pivot, even on rough terrain. Tron 1 stands 33 inches tall and weighs 44 pounds.
    Hackers are tricking people into installing password-stealing malware by making them press keyboard shortcuts under the pretense of proving they're not bots.
    Saving the voices of loved ones can be a comforting way to keep alive memories. Kurt "the CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to preserve voicemail messages.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    The FBI warns that some free online document converters load malware onto people's computers, making their private information vulnerable to attack.
    Toyota's compact electric FT-Me is designed to tackle challenges of city living while offering an accessible and eco-friendly transportation solution.
    Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says 23andMe's bankruptcy raises data privacy fears: Opt out, download and delete data now.
    UBTech and Zeekr unite with AI robot swarms to make car manufacturing faster and smarter. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how the process works.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Apple's Passwords app had a three-month phishing flaw from iOS 18 to 18.2 patch.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how this super-small electric mini-truck takes a big step toward production.
    Artificial intelligence-generated images and videos that use someone’s likeness typically target women without their consent. The CyberGuy unpacks how to protect loved ones.

    Microsoft Great Plains: Interest Calculation Example ? Stored Procedure for Crystal Report

    This is intermediate level SQL scripting article for DB Administrator,... Read More

    How To Choose A Fire Wall Software Program

    In the real world a "fire wall" is a fireproof... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains Reporting ? Overview for Developer

    Looks like Microsoft Great Plains becomes more and more... Read More

    Five Steps to Rapid Development with TierDeveloper 4.0

    Follow the steps below to quickly design, generate, and deploy... Read More

    Top Questions to Ask Before Buying a Help Desk & Asset Management Software

    #5 All your hardware components like Printers, PCs etc come... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains ? Licensing & Product Versions

    Current Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains has more that 10... Read More

    10 Steps To Secure And Manage Your Passwords

    Passwords protect your most sensitive personal, financial and business information.... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains Implementation: Verticals - Wholesale Order Entry center ? overview

    Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains has substantial market share and... Read More

    Did You Ever Want to Completely Erase Everything on Your Computer?

    Did you ever want to erase everything on your computer?... Read More

    Professional XP Style Icons in Software and Website Development

    Using professional icons in your application or website can bring... Read More

    Lotus Domino Implementation and Development: Infrastructure ? Present and Future

    Domino server is a buffer between the operation system and... Read More

    Microsoft CRM Implementation & Customization: MS CRM Fax Gateway

    With this small article we are continuing Microsoft Business Solutions... Read More

    Instant Messenger Clients

    If you have been using the Internet for any amount... Read More

    QuarkXpress Tips: How to Move Content Between Print and Web Layouts

    Since its release in 1987, QuarkXpress had made an immediate... Read More

    C++ Tutorial 1, Introduction to C++

    Introduction to C++Why Learn C++?C++ may at first seem like... Read More

    How to Build a Basic CSS Layout

    Designing without tables by using CSS layouts is fast becoming... Read More

    Microsoft CRM Implementation for Large Corporation ? overview

    Microsoft Business Solutions CRM is now approaching the phase of... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains POP: Purchase Order Processing ? Overview For Consultants

    Great Plains Purchase Order Processing (POP) module makes up one-third... Read More

    ERP Consulting: Microsoft Great Plains Partner Future Directions

    In the Clinton era the status quo was simple: you... Read More

    What is Shareware?

    Shareware is software that you can try before you buy;... Read More

    Microsoft CRM Customization Secrets ? Second Edition

    This article is for advanced Microsoft CRM SDK C# developers.... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains Furniture & Fixtures ? Implementation & Customization Highlights

    Microsoft Great Plains, former Great Plains Software Dynamics / eEnterprise... Read More

    What is Fleet Maintenance Management?

    Fleet Maintenance Management is a critical position in any company... Read More

    IT Department Skills to Support Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft CRM

    Microsoft Great Plains as ERP and Microsoft CRM as... Read More

    Professional Software Icons For Your Standalone Application

    User interfaces and accessibility are some of the most important... Read More

    Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..