Thanks to Jim Holtzman for sharing and making it available on the Download center
Some of what this paper covers:
MSDN CRM Blog - Integration Guide: Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and Office 365
Available from the Download Center:
Here is a list of some beautiful whitepapers for CRM developers, it always worked as a good reference to me. so thought of sharing it with others too.
you can use them for a reference point or for knowledge building or to understand the product better.
| Whitepaper | Download |
| This white paper, details the security model leveraged by Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, including information on the authentication mechanisms that, depending on the deployment model, support Microsoft Dynamics CRM. In addition, the document provides details about how access to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 system resources by users and external systems can be controlled and restricted. | |
| This white paper,provides selected aspects of the conceptual application of the security model in Microsoft Dynamics CRM. While Microsoft Dynamics CRM does not provide for true field-level security, there are a number of options available for using supported custom logic to control of access to data at a more granular level than provided out of the box. This document discusses some of the key options and constraints available for implementing this type of solution. | Field-level Security in Microsoft Dynamics CRM: Options and Constraints |
| Many data centers include firewalls between the end-users and the servers and other integrated systems that support an implementation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. This document provides guidance on the connectivity requirements between Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and other systems to assist readers with proper firewall configuration in customer environments. | Connectivity and Firewall Port Requirements in On-Premise Deployments |
| Both the online and offline versions of the CRM Outlook Client support synchronizing CRM contacts and CRM activities to Outlook folders, or Outlook synchronization. This document describes the client synchronization process for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. | |
| Using multiple instances of Dynamics CRM may be preferable in a number of scenarios. This release includes two documents, a white paper and a build guide, focused on sharing data across multiple CRM organizations. The white paper provides an overview of the levels of integration available for sharing data across multiple Dynamics CRM organizations, together with details about the techniques that are used for integration at the Application and Data levels, which include Web Services, Web Services-based solutions, Filtered Views, and SQL Server Replication. | |
| Microsoft Dynamics CRM supports a wide range of business applications with the essentials required for building, delivering, and maintaining these applications in a multi-tenant SaaS environment. In this white paper we explore how, with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, an ISV can quickly build, deploy, and manage line-of-business applications. | Developing ISV Applications using Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 |
| This white paper provides techniques, considerations, and best practices for optimizing and maintaining the performance of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 implementations. | |
| These Microsoft Office Visio diagrams show the logical database structure for Microsoft CRM 4.0. These diagrams were generated using the Metadata Diagram sample code included in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 SDK download. |
Situation:
One of my teammate recently moved a CRM organization from one server to another server (database as well as the application server), don’t know what went wrong but after that one user complains that he can’t login into the system, when inspected we found that there are two records for the same user now exists in the CRM one disabled and one enabled also no entry of this user was there in MSCRM_CONFIG database. Still in dark why and how it happens? but in order to let the user in the CRM we need to recreate the user in the CRM.
Resolution:
Now all we need is to delete this user and recreate it in CRM, BUT BUT BUT…….
There is no supported option of deleting Users from CRM is available , at most you can disable them, but sometimes we found ourselves in a situation when we need to recreate the user in CRM as mentioned above.
we also need to remember that the CRM users are created from AD user accounts so the CRM will not allow you to create a new account even when one account is already disabled.
So what can we do:
The option with us is recreate a User record by changing the credentials of a user record and create a new record for the existing user.
we can do so by following the steps as mentioned below:
Step 1: navigate and open the desired User record in CRM.
Step 2: Change the user credentials in the Domain Logon Name field to and AD use record that is not already a CRM User and save the record.
Step 3: Since this record is not required in CRM at all so disable this record.
Step 4: Create the desired user record.
Step 5: Reassign the records of the disabled user to this newly recreated record.
Very Often I found during code reviews the most common mistakes new programmers commit during plugin development in CRM is usage of images at wrong places. so I thought of writing the same here, may be it helps someone.
first we should understand what are Pre and Post entity images:
PreEntityImages and PostEntityImages contain snapshots of the primary entity's attributes before and after the core platform operation. Microsoft Dynamics CRM populates the pre-entity and post-entity images based on the security privileges of the impersonated system user. You can specify to have the platform populate these properties when you register your plug-in. The entity alias value you specify during plug-in registration is used as the key into the image collection.
before using the images we should know when they are available. For example, only synchronous post-event and asynchronous registered plug-ins have PostEntityImages populated. In addition, the create operation does not support a pre-image and a delete operation does not support a post-image.
Hope it is helpful.
Happy Coding.
Just downloaded and checked the great artwork of pogo69. really helpful and saved a lot of time as you don’t have to write everything from scratch now.
checkout the awesome Visual Studio 2010 templates for Plugin and Workflow activity development for CRM 2011 created by him.
check these out at his blog:
http://pogo69.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/crm-2011-visual-studio-plugin-templates
There are not much changes in terms of plugins. there are few changes like instead of using DynamicEntity class we have to use the Entity class. the five major changes are :
1. The IPlugin now resides in Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk namespace instead of Microsoft.Crm.Sdk
public class ClassName : Microsoft.Crm.Sdk.IPlugin
public class ClassName : Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk.IPlugin
2. The Execute method signature of the IPlugin interface has changed, it now expects an IServiceProvider instead of the IPluginExecutionContext.
public void Execute(IPluginExecutionContext context)
public void Execute(IServiceProvider serviceProvider)
3. To get a reference to the IPluginExecutionContext you now need to call the GetService method of the IServiceProvider interface.
public void Execute(IPluginExecutionContext context)
Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk.IPluginExecutionContext context =(Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk.IPluginExecutionContext)
serviceProvider.GetService(typeof(Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk.IPluginExecutionContext));
4. ICrmService has been changed to IOrganizationService.
ICrmService sdk = context.CreateCrmService(true);
IOrganizationServiceFactory factory = (IOrganizationServiceFactory)serviceProvider.GetService(typeof(IOrganizationServiceFactory));
IOrganizationService sdk = factory.CreateOrganizationService(context.UserId);
5. DynamicEntity has been changed to Entity.
eg: no more KeyProperty, StringProperty…etc, simply do int value = (int)entity[“schema_name”];
if (context.InputParameters.Properties.Contains("Target") &&
context.InputParameters.Properties["Target"] is DynamicEntity)
if (context.InputParameters.Contains("Target") &&
context.InputParameters["Target"] is Entity)hats off to the original contribution by Gayan Perera
Happy Coding
In Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, the programming model has been changed to use native .NET types whenever possible. A beautiful post from Resultondemand explains it all, with all credit to their great job the excerpts of the post is :
Type Mapping Between Versions
The following table shows the mapping between the defined type for an entity attribute, the type that is used in a record, and the type that was used in Microsoft DynamicsCRM4.0.
| Attribute Type | Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Type | Microsoft DynamicsCRM4.0 Type |
| AttributeTypeCode.Boolean | bool or System.Boolean | CrmBoolean |
| AttributeType.CalendarRules | EntityCollection | DynamicEntity[] or calendarrule[] |
| AttributeType.Customer | EntityReference | Customer |
| AttributeType.DateTime | System.DateTime | CrmDateTime |
| AttributeType.Decimal | decimal or System.Decimal | CrmDecimal |
| AttributeType.Double | double or System.Double | CrmFloat |
| AttributeType.Integer | int or System.Integer | CrmNumber |
| AttributeType. Internal | System.Object Not used in records. | Not used in records. |
| AttributeType.Lookup | EntityReference | Lookup |
| AttributeType.Memo | string or System.String | System.String |
| AttributeType.Money | Money | CrmMoney |
| AttributeType.Owner | EntityReference | Owner |
| AttributeType.PartyList | EntityCollection or ActivityParty[] | activityparty[] or DynamicEntity [] |
| AttributeType.Picklist | OptionSetValue | Picklist |
| AttributeType.PrimaryKey | System.Guid | Key |
| AttributeType.String | System.String | System.String |
| AttributeType.State | OptionSetValue or enumeration generated for the entity state | EntityNameStateInfo |
| AttributeType.Status | OptionSetValue orint | Status |
| AttributeType.Uniqueidentifier | System.Guid | UniqueIdentifier |
| AttributeType.Virtual | System.Object Not used in records. | Not used in records. |
When working with CRM2011 Java script you will found many difference about syntax/methods between CRM2011 and CRM4.0 Please check some of the comparisons as listed. Please click on the Image below to enlarge view. hats off to the original post contributor.
Happy Coding
here is a a quick list of changes you need to remember while creating workflow assemblies in CRM 4.0 or CRM 2011, as found here.
1. References
CRM 4.0
using System.Workflow.Activities;
using System.Workflow.ComponentModel;
using System.Workflow.ComponentModel.Compiler;
using Microsoft.Crm.Sdk;
using Microsoft.Crm.Sdk.Query;
using Microsoft.Crm.SdkTypeProxy;
using Microsoft.Crm.Workflow;
CRM 2011
using System.Activities;
using Microsoft.Crm.Sdk.Messages;
using Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk;
using Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk.Workflow;
2. Base Class
Base class definition has been changed from SequenceActivity to CodeActivity.
CRM 4.0: In CRM 4.0 we have to specify both Workflow name and Workflowactivitygroupname in the code as written in the following code.
[CrmWorkflowActivity("My Custom Workflow", "CRM Workflow")]
public class MyCustomWF: SequenceActivity
CRM 2011: In CRM 2011 that is done in different way.
public class MyCustomWF: CodeActivity
Both Workflow name and Workflowactivitygroupname can be specified at the time of registering the assembly
3. Execute Method
The overridden Execute method remains the same except parameter and return type.
CRM 4.0
protected override ActivityExecutionStatus Execute(ActivityExecutionContext executionContext)
CRM 2011
protected override void Execute(CodeActivityContext executionContext)
4. Create service
CRM 4.0
IContextService contextService = (IContextService)executionContext.GetService(typeof(IContextService));
IWorkflowContext context = contextService.Context;
ICrmService crmService = context.CreateCrmService();
CRM 2011
IWorkflowContext context = executionContext.GetExtension<IWorkflowContext>();
IOrganizationServiceFactory serviceFactory = executionContext.GetExtension<IOrganizationServiceFactory>();
IOrganizationService service = serviceFactory.CreateOrganizationService(context.UserId);
5. INPUT Parameters
CRM 4.0
Declaration: how to initialize the input parameter
// specified dependency property
public static DependencyProperty CaseIDProperty = DependencyProperty.Register("CaseID", typeof(Lookup), typeof(TotalTaskRetrieval));
// Specified Input property
[CrmInput("Enter Case ")]
// Set the reference Target for Property created
[CrmReferenceTarget("incident")]
// Property Defined for caseId
public Lookup CaseID
{
get
{
return (Lookup)base.GetValue(CaseIDProperty);
}
set
{
base.SetValue(CaseIDProperty, value);
}
}
Use: Access the input parameter declared above as,
Guid caseid=CaseID.Value
CRM 2011
Declaration: how to initialize the input parameter
[Input("Enter Case ")]
[ReferenceTarget("incident ")]
[Default("3B036E3E-94F9-DE11-B508-00155DBA2902", " incident ")]
public InArgument<EntityReference> CaseID { get; set; }
Use: Access the input parameter declared above as,
Guid caseid = CaseID.Get<EntityReference>(executionContext).Id
6. OUTPUT Parameters
CRM 4.0
[CrmOutput("outputSum")]
public CrmMoney Sum
{
get
{
return (CrmMoney)base.GetValue(SumProperty);
}
set
{
base.SetValue(SumProperty , value);
}
}
CRM 2011
[Output("outputSum")]
[Default("23.3")]
public OutArgument<Money> Sum { get; set; }
happy Coding
from Michael Dawson’s linkedin group post we got the info and got the solution too in our environment , so decided to share if someone too facing this issue. thanks Michael for sharing :-)
“We recently upgraded and have been hit with quite a major issue, when an appointment is synchronized from CRM to your Outlook Calendar, Exchange freaks out when trying to send it to your Smartphone device. You get inundated with the following message:
Synchronization with your SmartPhone failed for 1 items.
The following items couldn't be sent to your mobile phone. They haven't been deleted. You should be able to access them using either Outlook or Outlook Web App.
Item Folder: Calendar
Item Type: IPM.Appointment
Item Created: 21/09/2010 16:23:34
Item Subject: 1723 MDTEST
We have called Microsoft Product Support and this is a known issue that is being researched hopefully for inclusion in Rollup13. I have been advised to uninstall Rollup12 if I want to resolve the issue and go back to Rollup11.”
just browsing the net and i found this beautiful post regarding tab limits in CRM forms , originally posted here
Hats off to the original contributor.
hope its useful for the readers.
By default the max number of tabs allowed in CRM Form is 8.
The max tab limit is defined in JavaScript of formeditor.aspx. This page can be found at the following location “\Microsoft Dynamics CRM\CRMWeb\Tools\FormEditor”.
You can change the count specified in the _iMaxTabs to increase the count as shown in the below screenshot.
Note: This is an unsupported change and it could be overwritten if you install Rollups for CRM.
The recording of session by Andrew Bybee delivered at PDC-09 is now available. A must watch video. take a look at it here :
The recording of session by Andrew Bybee delivered at PDC-09 is now available. A must watch video. take a look at it here :
The recording of session by Barry Givens, Nikhil Hasija delivered at PDC-09 is now available. A must watch video. take a look at it here :
1. Turns Microsoft Office Outlook into the one place where you can manage both customer data and communications.
Microsoft Outlook messaging and collaboration client is already the world’s leading tool for customer communications. Microsoft Dynamics CRM extends the reach of Microsoft Outlook by turning it into a tool to manage customer information. It puts lead information, marketing pitches, and sales call information into one central location for your sales and marketing staff.
2. Works tightly with Microsoft Office Excel so businesses can make decisions on the fly.
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software is a powerful tool for turning data into information that can be analyzed and shared. Microsoft Dynamics CRM features an always-on connection to Excel that enables you to quickly turn customer information into dynamic snapshots or PivotChart dynamic views. These views can help you understand in seconds how a sales increase or company expansion can benefit the business.
3. Improves operational efficiency through the standardization and streamlining of processes.
The Microsoft Dynamics CRM adaptive workflow engine enables a business to automate business processes in ways that employees can use each day. Microsoft Dynamics CRM can relieve your staff of mundane but vital work. It can automate time-consuming repetitive tasks, warn staff of open customer issues, and automatically send important e-mail messages to customers and partners. So customer requests and orders don’t fall through the cracks.
4. Works the way your business works with point-and-click system customization.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be tailored to work the way your business already works. Microsoft Dynamics CRM forms, relationship links, and customer views can be designed and modified without complicated programming.
5. Gives the right information to the right people.
Certain employees need certain information. With Microsoft Dynamics CRM, system administrators have the tools to make sure the right information is delivered to the right people—whether they are using Outlook or the Web.
6. Targets your marketing campaigns so you’re always in touch with the right customers.
Today, it’s more important than ever that customers know about special offers and new services a business offers. Microsoft Dynamics CRM offers a marketing automation module that simplifies the following tasks: Building customer and lead lists, developing marketing campaigns targeted at specific customers, measuring the results of these campaigns, and developing follow-up marketing efforts.
7. Simplifies service scheduling to keep customers satisfied.
One of the most challenging aspects of delivering great customer service is ensuring you never let customers down by missing a service call or appointment. Microsoft Dynamics CRM provides a centralized, all-in-one view of all customer service requests and service professional calendars. Dispatchers can quickly and easily match the right service personnel to a particular customer or type of service call.
8. Integrates with your existing systems to help break down information silos.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM harnesses the power of Web services through the Microsoft .NET Framework. This latest generation of Microsoft technology enables businesses to connect isolated, legacy business systems and applications.
9. Enhances offline communications so everyone can be productive regardless of location.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM is designed so your staff can be productive both in the office and on the road—even if they aren’t connected to a network. Information can be filtered so that people receive only the information they need such as meeting updates and sales figures.
10. Builds on the power of SQL Server Reporting Services to create insightful business reports.
The SQL Server Reporting Services engine is a powerful analytical tool for business. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM embedded reporting engine integrates smoothly with Microsoft SQL Server to generate compelling data reports for business decision makers.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 equips business professionals with access to customer information through a full suite of marketing, sales and service solutions within a familiar Microsoft® Office Outlook® interface to ensure rapid user adoption and fast results. These videos will introduce you to Microsoft CRM Online functions and capabilities.
Video: General Overview - Time: 15:00
This video will provide a navigation overview of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 via the Outlook client and Internet Explorer Web Browser.
Video: Sales Overview - Time: 12:00
This video will show the sales features in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 from creating a lead that leads to an opportunity that then leads to a quote.
Video: Marketing Overview - Time: 21:04
This video will show the marketing features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, including Campaigns, Marketing Lists, Campaign Activities and Responses, and Reporting.
Video: Working with Accounts & Contacts - Time: 05:30
This video will show how to work with Accounts & Contacts within Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0
Video: Customer Service Overview - Time: 14:54
This video will provide an overview of the customer service functionality in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0.
Video: Service Scheduling Overview - Time: 13:55
This video will provide an overview of the service scheduling functionality in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0.
Video: Reporting Overview - Time: 15:29
This video will show the reporting capabilities in Microsoft Dynamics CRM
Video: Mail Merge - Time: 08:03
This video will show how to create mail merge templates and create emails and Word labels with mail merge.
Video: Using Advanced Find - Time: 10:02
This video will show you how to use the Advanced Find feature to find and take action on targeted sets of data. It will also show how to create Saved Views (My Views).
some time back I created an organization in our CRM server for a client but after some time we were told to remove the organization. I searched everywhere in the deployment manager but found no option to do the same. The only option I got there was to disable the organization. I scratched my head try almost all the links but of no use, so finally I disabled the organization. few days back i discussed the same with one of my friend Naren about the same he also did the full research in the deployment manager and YESSSSS he found the way. All we need to do is to first disable the organization and then we got the option to re enable it or delete it. the only thing now we need to remember is that this delete operation does not delete the org_MSCRM database , you have to delete the same manually.
Thanks Naren for the help.
I hope someone else too will get benefitted from this post. enjoy…
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