Microsoft CRM Programming Secrets – Tips for Developers

Having a customer relationship management solution can help a business organize and easily streamline processes and functions related to developing, retaining, and improving customer relationships. Microsoft offers some of the leading CRM solutions that are flexible and customizable for every business. Some leading examples are Dynamics 365 and SharePoint. Developers of Microsoft CRM solutions should be able to provide a unique platform that can help businesses fulfill their objectives for implementing a customer relationship management solution. Here are some tips for a developer to enable proper Microsoft CRM programming:

•Consult with the business – Developers must take time to understand the unique requirements of the business. That way, they can develop a bespoke solution that should work for their customer. For instance, Dynamics 365 can be programmed and developed to run on-premise and online.

•Know the programmability features of Microsoft CRM – By identifying a customer’s requirements, developers should be able to use the right programming models that will enable them to customize the right solution for every situation. For instance, when developers write their customers to access the data in Dynamics 365, they have the option to use the organization service or the Web API. The latter offers a development experience that is useful across programming languages, devices, and platforms. It implements open data protocol (Odata), too, which is the standard for consuming and building RESTfulAPIs over any rich data source. Microsoft provides a list of community-supported libraries for OData. Otherwise, developers can code directly using HTTP. 

.NET developers may Web API or the organization service, which enables them to use the set of tools and assemblies to create strongly typed classes with attributes and custom entities added to Dynamics 365. SDK tools and assemblies for code generation can work with Organization Service Context, which is designed according to the same concept as WFC data services to enable developers to track changes and manage relationships and identities.

•Consult with experts – Consulting services can give developers a competitive edge and keep them ahead of their competition when they are updated with the latest developments and knowledge. 

•Use special tools – Address Two and Infusion soft are CRM software tools that can leverage the existing CRM platforms of a business.

Source URL : http://www.orionnetworks.net/microsoft-crm-programming-secrets-tips-for-developers/

How Proper Cyber Security Can Lengthen a Company's Life

Information has become one of the most valuable resources today. As our world becomes more and more digitized, protecting valuable data has become a major challenge for business—not just for the big corporations, but also smaller companies. Data theft or hacking is a serious threat to businesses of all sizes and in all industries. So, as long as there data is digitally stored, anyone can be a target. That is why a growing number of companies have been paying more and more attention and investing heavily on protecting their information. In 2017, the value of the cyber security market is expected to reach $120 billion.

 Data theft, hacking, and more recently the ransomware threat can dramatically affect the reputation, profitability, and viability of companies in many ways. If your business gets targeted, you must deal with the impact of the data breach and containing the threat to prevent more data from being lost. Recovery and restoring the lost data will also be a huge headache. And then there is the issue of restoring the loyalty and confidence of your stakeholders, clients or customers. All of these will cost a lot of money and can really hurt your bottom line or worse, kill off your business altogether.

That is why it is imperative to shore up your data protection and security. Just because your company is small doesn’t mean that it is less susceptible to attacks. In fact, 71% of reported cyber-attacks target small and medium businesses.

When it comes to cyber security, prevention is always better (and less costly) than a cure. The main problem with cyber security is that the threat constantly evolves. As such, the need is to have a dynamic and proactive solution to protect oneself from these cyber threats. Investing now on protective measures such as good antivirus software, firewall protection, strong and secure password systems, and a strong awareness on cyber threats is the key to safeguard your information from intrusion and unauthorized access. A mindset of constant improvement and investment in cyber security systems is necessary to insure a company's survival in today's digital world.

Source URL : http://www.orionnetworks.net/how-proper-cyber-security-can-lengthen-a-companys-life/

Advantages of Deploying Mobile Applications for Your Business

Mobile apps are not merely for big-time businesses. In fact, every business (regardless of size) can benefit from having a mobile application. When implemented with a good mobile strategy, mobile applications for your business may help boost your sales, generate more leads, and keep existing and prospective customers interested in what you have to offer. Mobile applications can be an important aspect of your marketing strategy for the following reasons:

•Establish a marketing channel that is direct and easily accessible to your customers – Apps can be versatile in a sense that they can deliver or include general information, booking forms, prices, user accounts, newsfeeds, messengers, search features, and other features you think may be necessary to keep your business easily available to your customers.

•They keep your business available all the time – An average American tends to spend over two hours on his or her mobile device daily, and while only a few applications are encompassed in this usage, users will still have to swipe, scroll, and scan for the apps they want to use. When they have your app, you can establish your presence in their subconscious minds, even if they do not use it for that particular session.

•Mobile apps provide better value to your users – One of the most common applications of mobile apps for a business is enabling a digitized loyalty program, which will make it easier for customers to keep track of points and collect rewards through their mobile devices. This way, your mobile application may encourage more downloads and return customers. The more customers use or buy your services and products, the more points they can earn, which they can use to obtain certain products or services that they need or could want. Starbucks, for instance, uses a mobile app to providing exclusive rewards to those who have it.

Source URL : http://www.orionnetworks.net/advantages-of-deploying-mobile-applications-for-your-business/