Migrating SQL Database to SQL Azure

Microsoft SQL provides serveral options for users to migrate their on-premises instance of SQL database to SQL Azure. In this post, I will use the simplest method (generate script) to prepare script for SQL Azure. Before we begin, it is good to know the limitation of SQL Azure compare to on-premises instance type of SQL, we can found the full list at MSDN here.

One of the key concern is you have to use SQL server 2008 R2 version, SQl 2008 does not support the target database to be SQL Azure.

Navigate to the database you wish to migrate. Mouse right click, select task , then generate scripts.

A wizard screen called "generate and publish script" will pop up. Select your object and define the script location. Key thing here is click the advance button.

Inside the advance option;
Set "script for the database engine type" to SQL Azure Database
Set "Convert UDDTs to Base types" to True.
Set "Types of data to script" to schema and data 
Finsih...
Now, execute the scripts in SQL Azure management portal, you should able to see your data in the cloud :)

CRM 4 and CRM2011 rollup information [sharing post]

Here is the detail information regarding Dynamics CRM 4 and 2011, posted by Greg Nichols. Well done !

Rollup version listing

CRM Anywhere-R8 (Q2 2012)

Microsoft will be releasing their next service release called "CRM Anywhere" which will definitely be a important milestone for Dynamics CRM as it provides some of the most wanted features for CRM 2011.

Dynamics CRM Mobile

Set to provide a cross-platform native mobile client for WP7.5, iPad, iPhoneand Blackberry.

Cross Browser Support

CRM web client will run across different browser and platform such as Safari, Firefox, Chrome...powered by HTML 5

Enhancement

Activity Feed enhancements. Improve portal framework and deliver industry templates. Leverage on SQL 2012 provide the next generation BI & reporting tools.

Happy CRM'ing

My CRM book review [Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 New Features]

I was contacted by an online book shop “Packt Publishing” to review one of the CRM book by Jim Wang and Darren Liu. Both of them are well known CRM MVP in the field. I hope that in future will have chance to meet them up.

Back to the book review, I would say this book is more suitable for those technical people who deal with MSCRM customization as well as extending CRM. I like the way how they used simple English and the “Note” section that display extra tips for readers’ reference. In term of the book contents, I was a bit surprise because it actually included the environment setup chapter which is missing on many CRM book. :) Reading the experience by experts is the fastest way to pick up. 

The chapter - Extending CRM 2011 in the Cloud di provide summary information for readers to have a quick start on the Cloud requirement. The chapter arrangement is OK and rich, but I prefer it can include a chapter for CRM2011 troubleshooting technique. Another hot topic that missing is the claim base configuration. Overall for me, USD35.99 for almost 300 pages print book is definitely worth it. 

Book Contents preview:

1.    Setting Up the Development Workspace
This chapter provides the information about the development tools, system requirement as well as step by step guide on how to setup a CRM2011 VM.

2.    System Design and Configuration

Interesting topic arrangement where they use a project to explain the CRM2011 customization part (Entity,Form,View,Relationship)

3.    Data Import

Provides the information and option for data import with real life business example.

4.    Client site programming

Information regarding the XRM.Page namespace, SOAP and REST endpoints programming.

5.    Server side programming

Provides information on the CRM assemblies, plugin development and Process.

6.    SharePoint Integration

Show case on SharePoint integration with CRM2011.

7.    Charts and Dashboard

Information on CRM charts dashboard and filters.

8.    Extending CRM2011 in the Cloud

Information on the Azure,Email router and the CRM2011 Portal solutions.

9.    Sitemap and ribbon customization

Guide on working with sitemap, ribbon etc.

10.    Packing it up

Explain on the new concept of CRM2011, Solution. Managed and Unmanaged solution tips.