In Part 1 of “Future Proofing your Implementation and
Configuration – The Licensing Question” I covered off a couple things to take
into account as far as licensing goes. The next question is around the
Microsoft roadmap and a few things both customers and partners need to consider
when planning for and implementing Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement.
Let me start with an example It’s 2011 and Partner X has
developed a FANTASTIC business process management solution that enables
businesses to create and manage sales processes, which in turn effectively
promotes governance and sales performance within their sales team. After
joining the CRM 2013 preview program, it was realised that out-of-the-box Business
Process Flows did a similar job. The functionality created and implemented by
partner X was still VERY relevant and provided a brilliant solution to their
customers, but would the Business Process Flows replace this? The answer is yes
and no.
We see similar scenarios in loads of implementations where
partners and customers have implemented functionality utilising ISVs, as well
as custom code, and this functionality is matched by something being released
by Microsoft in a “Next Version / Release”. So, what do we do? We only know
what we know right?
There are a load of resources out there that will give you a
certain amount of visibility into future releases to make sure you are not
“Double Dev’ing” or buying an ISV product that may be deemed unnecessary in the
future…Caveat: If your customer needs the functionality now, it will be up to
you to be open and suggest the right solution.
My first go-to resource is the Microsoft Dynamics 365 roadmap site.
There is a LOAD of information about what is going to be released in the future
releases of Dynamics 365 (the ‘In Development’ tab). It’s a really user
friendly site that allows for filtering by application.
Back in the day (up to last year) D365 participants were
able to register on the MS Connect website to participate in the D365 preview
programmes. Connect has been RETIRED… Many of the services offered by Connect
are moving to new tools and services. Check out this post
for more information.
A lot of the Connect functionality seems to have moved off
to the Dynamics 365 Ideas site
where one can present ideas which can be voted on. This is a very smart method
of keeping an eye out for functionality that may be expected in the roadmap
site, based on input from the D365 community.
I would suggest joining the Dynamics 365 Insider programme
and applying to be one of the “Insiders” who will join the previews for the
selected applications and feedback based on your findings. The application can
be filled out here.
A very reliable source of information can also be some of
the direct Microsoft resources available to you. Don’t forget the DynamicsLearning Portal (DLP) and the ‘Blitz’ recordings which highlight upcoming
functionality and capability. It’s often also worth your time to reach out to
your Partner Development Manager or Partner Technology Strategist if you have
these available.
The other method of finding out what may be in the pipeline
is to watch the forums and groups on all of the social sites. The Dynamics 365
community is larger than you think and many of the members are active
participants in sharing knowledge, enthusiasm, and war stories. Multiple blogs
out there (Including this one) really do try to share the Dynamics 365 love. The
MVP community also do a fantastic job of sharing what they can with all of us,
which really helps.
Honestly, the frequency at which functionality is released
is completely dependent on Microsoft, but according to a Mr. James Phillips this
release cycle should be more consistent and reliable starting from 1 April 2018.
It is best to be open and upfront with your customers about what is coming in
the future, as you may want to stagger the delivery cycle to cater for this. If
we know we have a delivery roadmap of 1 year with our customer and we know that
functionality X is coming in 6 months, we may not want to build anything in the
interim and then have to deprecate that functionality… OR you may… The most
important thing is to be aware that the functionality will be released and that
your customer may want the opportunity to select what is available out the box
rather than a custom solution.
In summary, try your best to keep your ear to the ground
regarding what is coming in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 roadmap and utilise the
tools and services out there to educate yourselves. You may be saving yourself
time and your customers’ money!
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