Microsoft is planning to bring on demand application development tools (a.k.a. Platform-as-a-Service) to market with its next iteration of Dynamics CRM. There’s limited information from a Jan ‘07 press release from Microsoft’s website:
“The new version introduces an advanced multitenant architecture, and uses a single code base to support on-premise deployments as well as software-as-a-service (SaaS) deployments through hosting partners and through the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics Live CRM service. It also uses a single code base to support on-premise deployments as well as software-as-a-service (SaaS) deployments through hosting partners and the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics Live CRM service.”
One of the key differences between Microsoft’s approach vs. Salesforce.com is that Titan will provide implementation options that include an on-premise model (which completely negates the benefits of on demand), via ASP hosting partners, or hosted directly by Microsoft. Positives include .Net compatibility, which will reduce training requirements for getting existing Microsoft development shops up and running quickly.
The press release mentions a mid-2007 release date target, which was missed. A recent article from eWeek (which is what actually put Titan on my radar) mentions a December 2007 release date.
Filed under: Platform-as-a-Service
