The Benefits of Working with a Dynamics 365 CRM Partner

Implementing a new sales or marketing system like Dynamics 365 CRM can be a difficult and time-consuming undertaking. If you’re interested in Microsoft’s cloud CRM platform but aren’t sure how to get started with it, consider working with a Dynamics 365 CRM partner that can help you cross the finish line successfully.  

What is a Dynamics 365 CRM Partner?

To understand what a Dynamics 365 CRM partner is, you’ll need to know the seven main categories of partners from Microsoft’s Partner Network:  

• Microsoft AI Cloud Partner – Partner with Microsoft to access business growth tools and expand software capabilities 

• Independent Software Vendor (ISV) – Develop custom add-ons for Microsoft solutions 

• Managed Services Provider (MSP) – Offer outsourced IT services to Microsoft customers 

• Reseller/Distributor – Act as intermediaries to sell and implement Microsoft business applications 

• Systems Integrators and Consultants – Create large-scale custom applications or offer consulting services for Microsoft products 

• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) – Build hardware and other physical products 

• Consumer Developer – Develop consumer applications for Windows and other platforms 

Partners who offer reseller, systems integration, and consulting services are often called Solutions Partners. Their role is to help set up the software and offer ongoing expertise. There are six types of Solutions Partners, with some overlapping other Partner Network roles:  

• For Business Applications – Implement and customize solutions on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform 

• For Modern Work – Offer expertise on Microsoft 365 productivity tools for remote and hybrid teams 

• Security – Provide integrated security and compliance solutions 

• Data and AI (Azure) – Merge data across multiple systems using Microsoft’s analytics and AI tools 

• Digital and App Innovation (Azure) – Develop custom modules and applications in Microsoft’s cloud platform 

• Infrastructure (Azure) – Create workflow automations and organize tech stacks using Microsoft Azure 

Microsoft’s Partner Network structure is pretty confusing, but to keep it simple, a company hoping to implement a Dynamics 365 CRM module such as Sales or Marketing will at minimum need a Solutions Partner for Business Applications who can sell, set up, and support the software.

Benefits of Working with a Dynamics Partner 

Microsoft is an enormous company, which explains why it has so many partner types within its partner network. Some partners can even cover multiple areas, such as Solutions Partners for Business Applications who also offer data migration services and expertise in peripheral Microsoft software. The best Dynamics 365 CRM partners focus on six core areas: 

How to Choose a Dynamics 365 CRM Partner

Typical organizations will only need a Solutions Partner for Business Applications to get started with Dynamics 365 CRM. However, some companies might look for Solutions Partners that are, or have close ties with, third-party developers to further expand the software’s capabilities. 

Whether you’re picking a new business solution or the software partner who will implement it, you’re making a long-term decision. You want a partner that will stand by you as your needs change. Plus, the fewer cooks in the kitchen when configuring your software, the better. As you evaluate potential Dynamics 365 CRM partners, ask yourself the following questions and see if anyone can check off all the boxes: 

Ready to Partner with Cargas?

If you’re looking for a Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM partner with deep knowledge of the software, why not consider Cargas? We’ve been with Microsoft since 1993, and we have 35+ years of experience supporting software from developers like Microsoft, Sage, Salesforce, Acumatica, and HubSpot.  

Contact us today to learn more or request a demo of Dynamics 365 CRM.