What’s added in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015 Update 1 for online and on-premises users?

In a perfect world, we all want Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015 Online updates to match Dynamics CRM 2015 on-premises in terms of same release date and contents. However, that does seems to be the case any longer with the recent release Spring 2015 update 1 for CRM 2015 online.

Let’s break this down with the current scenario. If you are using Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, it will have the latest Update 1, which contains new features such as redesigned user experience (UX), data manipulation in Excel inside Dynamics CRM and ability to use the new Dynamics CRM Phone app. On the flip side, if you are on-premises, you do not have access to these new functionalities.

So, is update 1 coming for Dynamics CRM 2015 on-premises customers? According to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Team from their blog post, chances are very low to never. In the blog it mentions,

• “CRM (on-premises). In the past, incremental updates for the on-premises version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM were called “Update Rollups”. In the future, Update Rollups will just be called “Updates” and will be associated with the third digit of the version number. For example, the first incremental update for version 7.0 is CRM 2015 Update 0.1. The complete version number in this case is 7.0.1.xxxx, which indicates that the update applies to the major 7.0 release, not a spring release. There will not be a spring 2015 release for the on-premises version, but if there’s a minor fall release, it would be called CRM 2015 Update 2, and any subsequent incremental updates would be appended to that number.”

If this is any indication, it means Microsoft will most likely release all the new features in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015 Update 1 in their next version Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 for on-premises.

Hence, for on-premises customers looking to grab Update 1 for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015, your best bet will be to upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016, which is scheduled to be released late Q4 or Q1 2016 for on-premises.

As for any new potential customers that are looking to use Microsoft Dynamics CRM, I would recommend Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, because new content is pushed out for that option first going into the future.

If you are deciding whether to go with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online or on-premises? RSM offers a full range of services from implementation and optimization to development and support. We can also help you decide which option is the best for your business. Contact our professionals for more information on our services at 855.437.7202 or crm@rsmus.com.

By: Hien Tieu – New Jersey Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner

Hien Tieu