Microsoft Ships Dynamics CRM 3.0

Microsoft on Tuesday delivered the final release of MSCRM 3.0, which now falls under the company's new Dynamics line of business applications. The update replaces version 1.6 as Microsoft's solution to compete with more established CRM vendors including Oracle, Siebel Systems and SAP.

Dynamics CRM 3.0 comes in two flavors -- Professional and Small Business Edition -- and prices range from $440 to $1,761 USD. Microsoft has retooled the software so it closely integrates with Outlook and Office application interfaces. The release also brings Web access, and Microsoft will also offer a subscription-based hosted CRM service beginning January 1.