1. Microsoft Dynamics (IT Pros)
Dynamics is…
Common Questions:
An onprem software application and/or FedRAMP Cloud (SaaS) offering from Microsoft.
An excellent “low code” application/platform for governments to leverage when building/modernizing line of business applications.
Leveraged across Federal and Local government for all types of applications that require structured, transactional tracking and reporting.
Examples: Case Management, Inspections, Investigations, Correspondence, Legal Cases, Call Center, Service Desk, Grants Management, Task Management, Program Mgt, Events Management, Contact/Member Tracking, Emergency Management, Recruiting/Member Mgt, Contract & Procurement Management, FOIA, etc, etc, etc.
Why is Dynamics called “low code” or “COTS” platform?
While Dynamics provides traditional “CRM” applications off the shelf, it also includes all the core ‘building blocks’ needed for robust business applications. Furthermore, these building blocks care highly Configurable (point-click) and can be Customized further with .NET plug-ins and HTML5 in Visual Studio.
What about SharePoint?
SharePoint is an excellent platform for applications that need to collect and manage unstructured data. However, when you need to your application to manage and report on structured, relational data, it’s ‘list based’ architecture can be limiting. The optimal approach is leveraging the better-together native integration between the platforms to achieve the best-of-breed capabilities for structured and unstructured tracking and reporting.
An alternative to...
Any platform or package leveraged for building business/transactional applications, especially when a “low code” approach is preferred. (Java, .NET, Salesforce, Appian, Pega Systems, SugarCRM, SharePoint, etc, etc.)
Dynamics and Salesforce are both Gartner leaders who both have FedRAMP Agency ATO’s within HHS.
However, CDC should consider that Microsoft offers:
Option to run Dynamics onprem, with parody.
Tight integration with Office suite (Outlook, ShrPnt, Skype)
Extensibility with familiar .NET technologies.
Shared ADFS identity w/ Office365 (HHS/CDC deployed)
Typical 3x+ better ROI due to SFDC high total costs!
What's under the hood?
The “Lego block graphic” provides just a sample of the highly configurable components. No need to build/code Business Rules, Workflows, Office integrations, Dashboards, Search, Security or Mobile Apps. As business changes, configuration allows for rapid enhancements without wading through code from a previous contractor.
Furthermore, Microsoft continues to modernize and innovate the platform with each release (both on-prem and in the FedRAMP SaaS cloud) that you continue to inherit to keep your application modern.
Finally, integration with existing legacy systems is readily available via the open WebServices API.
What is Dynamics CRM vs. Dynamics 365?
Dynamics has long been an umbrella for Microsoft’s CRM offering and ERP suite. Dynamics 365 represents the merge of these offerings onto a common platform moving forward, and many other added innovations seen here.
IT professionals should read this white paper and watch this intro to building Dynamics apps video to learn more.

2. Microsoft Dynamics (Business Pros)
Dynamics is…
Example of Dynamics used across Federal Agencies today:
An software application and/or Cloud Service (SaaS) offering from Microsoft.
An excellent platform for the modernization of inefficient legacy applications or new applications to automate manual business process.
A new way of building business applications that are user friendly, tightly integrated with MSoffice tools, mobile app ready, secure and built with technologies CDC IT staff have already approved and deployed for Enterprise use.
Dynamics is widely leveraged across the Civilian, DHS and DoD agency landscape today. The below sample provides a real-world illustration of a sample of what's possible and who is realizing the benefits of modernizing their business applications and process with Dynamics Cloud and OnPrem software.
Agencies use it to...
Modernize a broad range of business functions and workflows that require configuration to the agency/department needs.
Realize the benefits of new application in months, not years, due to the rapid configuration vs. heaving coding approach.
Take advantage of the many benefits of Cloud computing while having the option to deploy in traditional IT datacenter approaches at any time.
Save money due to increased staff productivity:
Reduced time spent on manual tasks
Easier data access, analysis and reporting
Reduced duplicative time spent in multiple, systems
A comfortable, familiar user experience
Improved inter- and intra-agency collaboration and communication
Download a Government datasheet
Watch Dynamics Government Videos
What is Dynamics CRM vs. Dynamics 365?
Dynamics has long been an umbrella for Microsoft’s CRM offering and ERP suite. Dynamics 365 represents the merge of these offerings onto a common platform, and many other added innovations.
What next?
To best understand what Dynamics can do for your new application requirements, Microsoft is happy to discuss building a “proof of concept” that incorporates a sample of your requirements into a live demonstration. Contact Wende Nossaman for more info.