Microsoft has acquired analytics firm Netbreeze, planning to integrate its social-monitoring tools with CRM offerings. The announcement was made on the initial day of the company"s Convergence ERP/CRM conference in New Orleans. Despite Microsoft officials confirming the acquisition, no details of the amount that the company paid, or related details, were disclosed.
During the presentation, two major updates to Microsoft"s Dynamics CRM offerings were outlined.
Code-named "Gemini", the first update will build upon MarketingPilot"s marketing-automation technology introduced last fall when Microsoft acquired the company. "MarketingPilot 15", according to Microsoft officials, will feature a "simplified user experience and robust business-intelligence functionality, allowing users to plan and track customer interactions across digital, social, and traditional marketing channels." The MarketingPilot update will be available to U.S. customers at the end of the month, and at the end of the year to international customers.
In late 2013, the second update to Dynamics CRM, code-named "Orion", will be available. The update will include local CRM applications for iPads and Windows 8, as promised by Microsoft officials. The company demonstrated Netbreeze integration during the presentation, most notably the way in which new Netbreeze widgets can be plugged into the new Dynamics CRM. This process offers a brief overview of social trends as well as an assortment of reporting options for language, geography, sentiment analysis and interaction within social networks.
For more information on past and upcoming announcements at Microsoft"s Convergence Conference, the company website offers a full agenda.
Source: MSDynamicsWorld | Image: Microsoft