Microsoft Renames CRM Service

Microsoft is changing the name of its on-demand CRM (customer relationship management) offering to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, according to a company official.

The product was previously called CRM Live.

Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, said in an e-mailed statement that the name change is meant to separate Microsoft's consumer lines from its offerings for businesses.

"In recent months, Microsoft has launched the new Online brand, with tremendous investment in and focus around on-demand technology for business users," the statement reads in part. "Whereas the Live brand is focused on consumers and small businesses, the Online brand is fully aligned with our existing Dynamics CRM strategy of delivering outstanding solutions for small businesses, midsized companies, and large enterprises."

"This is simply a name change; there is no change to the product release dates, target markets, channel strategy, or pricing," he added.

More than 500 early-access customers are using CRM Online and the product will be launched broadly across the U.S. and Canada in the second quarter, according to Wilson.