Update to CRM Online Includes Keyword Ad Integration

Microsoft today released an update to its Dynamics CRM Online service that includes a fully-integrated, end-to-end keyword advertising management utility. The free tool, imaginatively called "Internet Marketing," allows CRM Online users to design search engine marketing campaigns by helping them select and bid for keywords with major search engines, track click-throughs and landing pages, track leads generated from keyword campaigns, and report on conversions into opportunities and closed sales.

CRM Online users now have a true, end-to-end online marketing tool that allows them to report on actual revenue generated by their search engine marketing investments. And best of all, it's free to Dynamics CRM subscribers!

To activate the service, CRM Online users need to go to the Settings area of CRM, click on Business Management, and click the new "Internet Marketing" link to launch the activation wizard.

CRM Live Re-Named to CRM Online

Microsoft has announced a name change to their hosted CRM service. The service, now known as Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is still targeted for a Q2 release.

Formerly known as Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live, the hosted version of CRM 4.0 will maintain the same functionality as previously announced, and, according to Microsoft, is simply being renamed in order to align it with their Online brand of B2B services.

Bill Patterson, Microsoft's Director of Product Management for the hosted service said in a communique:

"In recent months, Microsoft has launched the new Online brand, with tremendous investment in and focus around on-demand technology for business users. Whereas the Live brand is focused on consumers and small businesses, the Online brand is fully aligned with our existing Microsoft Dynamics CRM strategy of delivering outstanding solutions for small businesses, midsized companies, and large enterprises. As a result, we will be launching the new service as Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online."