UPDATE (06MAY2013): If you like the idea of implementing more functionality using point and click configuration (like in Part II) without having to write code (like in Part III), then you might want to have a look at North 52 Formula Manager. I have a blog post about it here. Like I say in the post, I get nothing from the makers of the addon by making you aware of it. However, I am a big fan of it. I think it’s a significant time saver enabling you to quickly implement functionality that would otherwise require code. You can decide for yourself after you have evaluated it.
Dynamics CRM 2011 offers a powerful platform for building line of business applications. These applications are often referred to as Extended CRM applications or XRM Framework applications because they leverage Dynamics CRM 2011 capabilities beyond the typical customer relationship management (CRM) scenarios. Since I work with US Government, Healthcare, and Education customers and partners, I spend the majority of my time focused on XRM. I’ve used My “crash course” in Dynamics CRM 2011 Development post as starter resource for folks who want to learn more. However, sometimes I get the following feedback: “That’s great, but can you give me the short version? I want the primer, not the deep dive.” This post is my attempt to do just that. To learn the fundamentals of XRM, do the following:
- Watch my XRM in a Nutshell series:
- Part I: Defining the Data-centric Business Application built using Dynamics CRM (22:16)
- Part II: Building the Data-centric Business Application using Dynamics CRM (53:24)
- Part III: Extending the Data-centric Business Application with the Dynamics CRM SDK (51:20)
After watching these videos, the next step would be to read the Building Business Applications with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 whitepaper. Next, you can dig deeper using my My “crash course” in Dynamics CRM 2011 Development post.
In Part II, I show modifying the Site Map and Ribbon using my favorite community tools:
In Part III, I talk about the integrated external wed application with SSO scenario. However, I don’t show a demo of it. I cover examples of this scenario as part of my CRM Online & Windows Azure Series. Specifically in the Configuring Single Sign On (SSO) and Calling CRM from ASP.NET using impersonation to ActOnBehalfOf the logged in user posts.
Finally, if you like these kinds of videos, then you might like How to Customize Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Online which is in a similar vein as my videos. There’s a little bit of overlap, but I think you’ll still find the content useful.
Gold Coast 