Customer Source - Attention Dynamics Customers!

Louise Alderton, 15 January 2011

Microsoft Dynamics ‘Customer Source’ is a beneficial, information-packed site exclusively for customers of Microsoft Dynamics products. If you are a Dynamics customer and are not taking advantage of this site listen up! In this post I will explain what exactly Customer Source is there for and the benefits it can provide you.

What is Customer Source?

This site is a central and secure hub of Microsoft Dynamics information accessible to you on demand over the internet. You will have access to the latest product information, knowledge base articles, technical support and training.

How do I gain access?

If you are a customer of any Microsoft Dynamics products then you are eligible for access to this site as a part of your service agreement. Your Dynamics partner is responsible for adding your organisation to Customer Source to give you access to the resources available. Once your partner has added you to the site you will receive an email invite with instructions to link your Windows live ID. After this is complete you are free to log in and out of the site as you please.

What are the benefits to me and my organisation?

• Accessible on demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Self-help resources such as technical guides and knowledge base articles will mean you can work more efficiently.
• Reduce support costs.
• Get more value from your Dynamics product through training and therefore improve productivity.
• Expand your learning and knowledge at no extra cost.
• Keep up-to-date with news, products and updates.
• Manage your personal account including your organisation information, your products and information about your partner.

What are the features available?

• Products and services: get the latest information about your dynamics solution and the maintenance and support plans to keep your solution up to speed.

• Newsgroups: participate in an online forum to exchange ideas and solutions with other customers.
• Product suggestions: Submit a suggestion for a new feature and reinforce other people’s suggestions through the public newsgroups.
• Industry solutions: search for information about third-party software products.
• Customer services guide: read about the policies of your service plan, such as investment protection and the support lifecycle.
• News and events: read articles about business issues from industry experiences, view news affecting your business and solution with information on special offers, new products and press releases. Plan to attend an upcoming seminar, conference, or webcast to interact with your peers and improve your business success with Microsoft Dynamics.
• Documentation: download installation guides, setup guides, user guides, system requirements, technical white papers, and updated help files.
• Searchable Microsoft Dynamics knowledge base: find answers to the most common technical questions including trouble shooting steps, solutions to common problems, and how-to articles.
• Certification: view classroom training schedules, access online training, read information about certification options and how to take exams, view lists of training materials, and find a Microsoft certified partner for learning (like Magnetism!)
• Training: receive the new benefits of unlimited access to online training, including e-learning for Microsoft dynamics, online training on specific topic areas; training materials or a desktop reference; learning plans; a training roadmap that outlines every training available for each module.

This is just one of several support avenues available to you. Of course Magnetism offers tailored support agreements to suit you as well, but I believe it is a good idea to have a range of support available for you to utilise. The most important thing is ensuring that you get the very most value you can out of your Microsoft Dynamics system.