Convergence 2013 EMEA, Barcelona.

The music was thumping, the crowd were becoming excited and there was a full auditorium for the Global Premier of Dynamics CRM 2013.

We heard from key Microsoft personnel, we heard from 2013 users in Britain, Australia and the US and we received the message loud and clear.

We were told that the teams in Microsoft had been working exceedingly hard, that Dynamics CRM 2013 is a revolutionary product. We were told that it is all about ‘Data’, ‘Mobility’ and being ‘Social’.

And the message was – Dynamics CRM is: The Way to ‘Make Happy’

Recently there was a program on BBC TV called the ‘Great British Bake Off’ and one contestant was regularly under pressure for ‘style over substance’. This is how this Global Premier felt, all style and absolutely no substance. There was no indication on how Dynamics CRM2013 is better than 2011 in any real term with the exception of a more advanced User Interface and User Experience but there was nothing to back these comments up.

Microsoft gives the indication that to promote a new product there is no need to show the product, simply be very enthusiastic, explain to the audience that you are ‘Pumped’ and use the word ‘Awesome’ in every second sentence. I felt that they knew of the word ‘Social’ but had no idea of how it related to CRM 2013 or in some cases I was left wondering if they should have referred to a dictionary prior to giving the speech.

I gained very little satisfaction from the Key note speech, ‘all talk and no trousers’ was the phrase that came to mind.  This was, in my view bitterly disappointing as it was a fantastic opportunity to give the ‘Make Happy’ message coupled with some unique selling points on Dynamics CRM 2013.

I have no doubt that Dynamics CRM is a fantastic solution, however if I was a Partner selling to a client and Microsoft offered their sales person to help with the pitch, I would very firmly say no. There is no need to explain that you are pumped and that it is awesome if you are selling to any of my clients.