CRM 5 at PDC
Microsoft had 2 sessions at PDC featuring CRM 5 which gives a glimpse at what’s coming in the next version. You can watch the sessions here:
Managing the Solution Lifecycle for xRM Applications
Developing xRM Solutions Using Windows Azure
Here’s a brief list of some of the what’s new:
Solutions – customizations can be packed as a solution. These solutions include plug-ins, web resources (images, script, Sliverlight, etc). Solutions can be versioned, and layered with other solutions to form your xRM app.
Option sets – basically pick lists shared between entities.
Developer productivity improvements – .NET 4.0, Flexible web services (WCF, REST, AJAX) , improvements to client side object model
Native dashboards inside the CRM, there’s also charting available.