Versions of Dynamics CRM

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is currently available in Version 4.0 which adds over 100 enhancements to its predecessor - Version 3.0 (launched end 2005). Visit our What’s New in Dynamics CRM 4.0 page to find out more.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM runs as an Outlook or Web Client, and as a Desktop version (continuous connection to the Server) or as Laptop Disconnected Client with seamless automatic synchronisation upon re-connection - see CRM Mobile for more information on remote access.

Licensing of Dynamics CRM 4.0

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 can be purchased across most of the Microsoft Channels, including Volume Licensing, Business Ready Licensing, Hosting (SPLA), and the recently announced CRM Live which is shortly (April 2008) to become available in US and Canada and to be rolled out at a later stage (to be confirmed) across Europe. CRM 4.0 provides licensing solutions for a wide range of use scenarios, from small workgroups to large enterprises, and the ability to offer the right solutions to meet a customer’s changing business needs.

There are now three Server editions:

• Offers the same rich feature set as Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Professional Server
• Includes and supports a maximum of 5 named user licences
• Licensed as a Specialty Server
• For greater than 5 user support, customers may purchase a step-up to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Professional Server
• Runs on Windows 2000 Server; Windows Server 2003; Windows Small Business Server 2003

• Offers a rich feature set, and supports single tenant deployment
• Users are only limited by Server capacity, there is no licensing limit on the number of users
• Licensed under the Server/CAL licensing model
• Users may be added by purchasing Microsoft Dynamics CRM CALs (Client Access Licences), as outlined below
• For multi-tenancy support, customers may purchase a step-up to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Enterprise Server
• Runs on Windows 2000 Server; Windows Server 2003; Windows Small Business Server 2003

• Offers a rich feature set, and supports multi-tenant deployments
• Users are only limited by Server capacity, there is no licensing limit on the number of users
• Licensed under the Server/CAL licensing model
• Users may be added by purchasing Microsoft Dynamics CRM CALs, as outlined below
• Runs on Windows 2000 Server; Windows Server 2003; Windows Small Business Server 2003

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Professional and Enterprise Servers follow the Microsoft Server/CAL licensing model, meaning that they require a separate Server licence for each Server on which the software is installed, plus a CAL for every internal user who accesses CRM.

A Microsoft Dynamics CRM User is defined as any user who accesses the Microsoft Dynamics CRM server, files, data content or "Microsoft Dynamics CRM functionality".

For the Professional Server and Enterprise Server, CALs are version non-specific and may be used with either of these two editions.

CALs have the following use distinctions:

• User CAL - With a user CAL, each licensed user may access the Server from any device.
• Device CAL - With a device CAL, the CAL is assigned to a device and may be shared by non-concurrent users over time, such as in a shift worker or call centre scenario

User and Device CALs may be mixed in a deployment.

For the Professional and Enterprise Servers, there are three CAL functionalities:

• CAL – the CAL provides a user with full read-write access to all capabilities within Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, and consists of both the Limited CAL and the Full Use additive CAL, combined to provide full "Microsoft Dynamics CRM functionality". "Microsoft Dynamics CRM functionality" means that users may view, manipulate, input, query or otherwise structure CRM 'live' data. 'Live' data is information that, via use action, dynamically writes to or reads from, or synchronises with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, whether it is accessed directly or indirectly.
• Limited CAL - the Limited CAL provides a user with read-only access, eg for reports. Users may view or query CRM data.
• Full Use Additive CAL – the Full Use Additive CAL provides a user with write-access functionality, and may only be purchased to supplement a Limited CAL (seen as a step-up CAL for users who start out with a Limited CAL but want to become a full use CAL).

CALs and Limited CALs may be mixed within an environment, but Full Use Additive CALs may never exceed the total number of Limited CALs in an environment or organisation. A user can never have a Full Use Additive CAL without also having a Limited CAL. The two go hand in hand and are both included in the full CAL licence.

A user can convert CALs from Device CALs to User CALs, or vice versa, on their Software Assurance anniversary date/renewal. If their CALs are not covered under Software Assurance, they cannot switch, because the choice is permanent.