I was curious to know if anyone has returned it? The product seems
like it has great potential, but I'm having trouble importing my data
and I find I am unable to get help anywhere. Am I alone? Are my
problems just a startup hurdle? Our CRM provider is not very
knowledgeable about the product and I fear long-term maintenance
problems when a problem arises.

As far as import goes, CRM comes with a complete data migration
framework with full documentation and everything. Granted you have to
know your SQL pretty well to run it, but there are also 3rd party tools
available to make data import a breeze. You shouldn't have any problems
importing data.

TexasDavid wrote:

One of Microsoft's stated goals for CRM 3.0, which is set to be released in
December, is to make it much easier to install and maintain. The current
version is not something that a person can "dabble" in and expect to attain
any proficiency. It really requires some dedication to acquiring in-depth
knowledge of the product. The first thing I would do is evaluate whether or
not you have the right implementation partner. There are many qualified
Microsoft Business Solutions partners who would provide their expertise.

There is also an intrinsic problem in the general sense that customer
relationship management solutions have traditionally been conceived for large
organizations with more complex needs and greater resources. As CRM moves
down-market there is a curve that has not reached its optimal place yet. The
products and solutions need to become less complex and more intuitive, and
the marketplace will also become more savvy. Right now, with CRM 1.2, these
two axes have not crossed at a point that is optimal for smaller businesses.
But version 3.0 should take a big step in that direction.

--
Matt Wittemann
http://icu-mscrm.blogspot.com


"TexasDavid" wrote:

David(?),

We had a guy working for over a year on importing data. Eventually, we
took over the project and discovered that he was going about it all wrong.
It really isn't too bad, and we were in production from scratch in no time
at all. Email me and I'd be happy to give you a bit of help. And yes, the
product has many shortcomings and limitations. But then so do many
products... The question is whether it is the best of the available
alternatives for you or not...