Microsoft’s new Dynamics 365 will bundle ERP and CRM in the cloud

Microsoft announced a new offering called Dynamics 365 that will combine its current ERP and CRM cloud services into a single bundle and include applications purpose-built for specific business functions.

Due to be available this fall, Dynamics 365 will feature apps for functions including financials, field service, sales, operations, marketing, project service automation and customer service. The apps can be independently deployed, allowing users to buy only what they need.

Microsoft’s Power BI and Cortana Intelligence tools will be natively embedded for predictive capabilities. With Cortana Intelligence, for instance, sales reps will be able to predict which products and services a customer will need next, thereby helping to focus their cross-selling efforts.

Dynamics 365 will also be tightly integrated with Office 365. Apps will use a common data model that’s shared with Office 365, and they’ll also come with connectors that let you integrate with applications and services from Microsoft and its partners, including custom APIs and on-premises systems.