It has been almost a year since Microsoft beat out SalesForce to purchase LinkedIn. This was a bold move that sent the tech industry into a tizzy. What would become of LinkedIn? What did this purchase mean? How would Microsoft incorporate the social networking platform into their stack? Well folks, we finally have a glimpse into what Microsoft has planned.
The Microsoft Relationship Sales Solution will bring together LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Dynamics 365 (D365) for Sales, creating a powerful sales insight and analytics tool. This integration will bring Sales Navigator insights directly into D365 and also allow syncing from Sales Navigator to D365. This will save sales people valuable time and energy, duplicating data from one system to another. Microsoft has stated that this solution, “will dramatically increase the effectiveness of salespeople by tapping into their professional networks and relationships, giving them the ability to improve their pipeline by leveraging signals across email, CRM, and LinkedIn. To get contextual recommendations for the next best action within Dynamics 365 for Sales, it will facilitate introductions directly through the company’s network, and send InMail, messages, and customized connection requests.”
Microsoft is also taking a lot of confusion out of the equation by offering a single skew to purchase Dynamics 365 for Sales and Sales Navigator Enterprise. While they are two separate but integrated solutions, customers will only have to manage one monthly bill for both.
Another way Microsoft will be bringing together Dynamics 365 and LinkedIn is through the Dynamics 365 for talent app. Here, Dynamics 365 will integrate with LinkedIn Recruiter to better manage interactions with candidates and give interviewers easy access to profiles. This Talent app will also integrate with Office 365, so HR can take advantage of the Onboarding capabilities. This solution is in the preview stages but should be available around July 2017.
There is more to come for the D365 + LinkedIn integration. Combining a powerful xRM system, Office applications that everyone knows and loves, and the largest professional networking site is putting Microsoft on the map. This, along with many other acquisitions, just proves even more that it is a good time to be a Microsoft customer.
Read up on more information on this topic from Microsoft, here.
MARY CHARUHAS | Account Manager
Mary Charuhas has been with KTL since 2013, starting as a sales intern in the summer of 2013 and moving to Business Development and Internal Sales in the spring of 2014. She is currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Business Management from Frederick Community College and hopes to continue her education at the University of Maryland next spring. Mary also possesses several Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM Sales certifications. She manages KTL’s existing customers through providing them with ongoing knowledge of the products, assisting them with upgrades and continuing projects, keeping them informed about updates/new releases, events, and training opportunities. Her charisma and passion for providing excellent customer service make her a valuable asset to KTL’s sales department.
