RELEASE: ALM for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011: CRM Solution Lifecycle Management

NOTE: For the latest version of the ALM whitepaper for Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement apps, version 9.x, visit https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=57777.

On behalf of CRM Content Publishing, I am pleased to announce the release of the white paper, ALM for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011: CRM Solution Lifecycle Management, which is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center.

As Microsoft Dynamics CRM continues pushing towards the enterprise space, it becomes increasingly important to support the requirements of the enterprise—not only through the product but also in terms of functionality, scale, resilience, and security. From an implementation perspective, enterprises expect to be able to manage their application lifecycle by using structured, repeatable processes that are predictable and well documented. While a number of approaches have been articulated through various channels and from a variety of sources to date, a definitive and full lifecycle approach has not been concisely communicated by Microsoft. Many customers, partners, and consultants are reaching out for best practice advice and guidance in this area, and it is Microsoft’s responsibility to deliver on this expectation. This paper provides a coherent, end-to-end approach to development, including version control, build, and release management of enterprise business solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

This document is the result of an effort by Microsoft Consulting Services through the OneTAP Program, which is aligned with Product Group TAP/RDP programs. When a product is launched, Microsoft has the opportunity to demonstrate for customers a “One Microsoft” execution from product development through testing, deployment, and training, which helps to ensure the best customer experience possible. To further this goal, Microsoft relies on a functional enterprise readiness ecosystem that leverages and consolidates the guidelines and best practices that are derived from these customer engagements and reproduces them in a consistent and timely manner. Through complete execution of the OneTAP program, Services works with the Product Groups to achieve product signoff for enterprise readiness.

I’d especially like to recognize the efforts of authors Phil Hand, Balazs Toreki, and Jürgen Leitz, and of Roger Gilchrist and the broader Dynamics CRM community for contributing to and reviewing this paper to help ensure its completeness and technical accuracy.

Regards,

Jim Toland