Microsoft CRM is pleased to invite you to participate in the upcoming Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program!

This program offers partners an opportunity to access the beta version of the new Microsoft CRM 3.0 software to enable you to be the market leaders with this exciting technology. By participating in this FREE program, you will have access to pre-release code, online training materials, and a peer-to-peer newsgroup; to help you get up and running fast. The CRM 3.0 Early Access Program will:

Provide partners with the ability to demonstrate the product to prospects to generate interest and momentum

Provide partners with the ability to do tests of the new version and build customizations for their customers that will migrate to the final release of CRM 3.0

Provide partners an opportunity to get familiar and ready to sell/implement Microsoft CRM 3.0 when it becomes generally available (GA) in the marketplace

The Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program is estimated to be available in mid October 2005 to all Microsoft Partners with access to Microsoft Partner Portal (for more information on becoming a registered partner on Microsoft Partner Portal, click here). In the meantime, we have provided an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) below. Please utilize this FAQ until the early access program is launched in mid October and continue to visit this Web site for program and launch updates.

Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program FAQ

Q.	Will there be a beta available for Microsoft CRM 3.0?
A.	Yes. The Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program is designed to make beta code available to partners and customers.

Q.	Why is Microsoft launching an early access program for Microsoft CRM 3.0?
A.	The primary objectives behind providing early access to Microsoft CRM 3.0 code are: Provide partners with the ability to demonstrate the product to prospects to generate interest and momentum Provide partners with the ability to do tests or pilots of the new version and build customizations for their customers Provide partners an opportunity to get ready to sell and implement Microsoft CRM 3.0
Q.	When will the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access code be available?
A.	Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access code will be available in mid October, 2005. This is subject to change based on development release cycles. Please continue to visit the Microsoft Partner Portal Web site and click on the "CRM 3.0 Early Access Program" link at: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/productssolutions/business/businesscrm/

Q.	Who will be able to participate in the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program?
A.	The Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program will be open to all Microsoft Registered Members, Certified Partners and Gold Certified Partners. When the early access program is launched in mid October, partners will need access to Microsoft Partner Portal to be able to participate.

Q.	How will this early access code be made available?
A.	The early access code will be downloadable and also available for order on CD. Partners that want to order the CD will need to pay for the cost of shipping and handling.

Q.	Will this early access code be on a Virtual PC image?
A.	No. The full beta bits will be provided for download. It will not be loaded onto a Virtual PC image.

Q.	In what languages will the early access code be available?
A.	The early access code will be in English only. It will not be available for any other languages.

Q.	Can I install the early access code at my customer's site?
A.	The early access code may not be installed or left behind with a customer or prospect. This program is designed to give early access to Microsoft partners to prepare for the upcoming CRM 3.0 release so they may demonstrate CRM 3.0 beta to customer prospects utilizing their own hardware or webcast.

Q.	Can I preview the early access code to my Microsoft CRM prospects?
A.	Absolutely, you can. One of the major goals behind the Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program is to enable partners to generate interest and momentum by demonstrating Microsoft CRM 3.0 to their prospects.

Q.	Can a customer download or install this beta?
A.	No. The Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program is a through-partner program only.

Q.	What about any customizations I create for my customers or my own internal test or pilot implementation on the Microsoft CRM 3.0 beta code? Will I be able to migrate this over to the final code?
A.	Any customizations using the Microsoft CRM Schema/User Interface/Workflow tools or the XML sitemap or any custom code using Web services will migrate. Data will have to be manually migrated. No tools will be provided in the final version to aid data migration from beta implementation.

Q.	Will there be technical support provided for the beta?
A.	Online peer-to-peer support through the Microsoft CRM newsgroups will be available.

Q.	Will there be any tools available along with the early access program to enable me to learn more about Microsoft CRM 3.0?
A.	Yes. Training and tools will be provided to help you learn more about Microsoft CRM 3.0.

Q.	How long will the early access program be available? How long should I be using this code for any Microsoft CRM 3.0 tests/pilots with my customers?
A.	The Microsoft CRM 3.0 Early Access Program will run until the general availability of the Microsoft CRM 3.0 final release code (Q1 2006).

Q.	When will CRM 3.0 pricing and packaging information be made available?
A.	Final CRM 3.0 pricing and packaging will be made available in late October or early November. Please continue to visit the Microsoft Partner Portal CRM Web site for upcoming announcements. https://partner.microsoft.com/global/productssolutions/business/businesscrm/