Dynamics CRM 2011 Developer Training and Development Resources
Note that the older Dynamics CRM 4.0 Developer Resources are over here.
In my role as both a Technical Sales Specialist and Solutions Architect, I am very often the first point of contact for companies and teams that are just being introduced to Dynamics CRM and the xRM platform for the very first time. As their relationship with Dynamics CRM matures they inevitably want to start experimenting with Dynamics and have their own people "get their heads around it." And obviously, once they make the investment in the technology, they will want to start ramping up their own staff.
Thus, as the person who introduced them to Dynamics CRM, they often come to me first for information on how to get started.
Following is a list of training and education resources along with what I consider the mandatory toolbox for most all developers.
Training and Education
Books
These are the books I personally currently have on my shelf. A quick Amazon search will likely review a few more.
Working with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011
http://www.amazon.com/Working-Microsoft-Dynamics-CRM-2011/dp/0735648123/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331610204&sr=8-1
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Unleashed
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Dynamics-CRM-2011-Unleashed/dp/0672335387/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331610400&sr=8-1
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Step by Step
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Dynamics-CRM-2011-Step/dp/0735648905/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331610253&sr=8-1
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Administration Bible
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Dynamics-2011-Administration-Bible/dp/0470568143/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331610283&sr=8-1
Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step 2010
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Dynamics-Sure-Step-2010/dp/1849681104/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331610318&sr=8-1
CRM as a Rapid Development Platform
http://www.amazon.com/CRM-as-Rapid-Development-Platform/dp/0981511813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331610440&sr=8-1
This book was written for 4.0, but it was an excellent introduction to the xRM platform and how to use Dynamics CRM as a true business LOB development platform.
Microsoft Official Training
http://dynamics.microsoftelearning.com/catalog/default.aspx
Note that your company must have purchased the training as part of their partnership with Microsoft and must give you appropriate access to Partner Source to be able to get to this training.
Developers Toolbox
The Full SDK
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=24004
Note that the full SDK download is SOOOO MUCH MORE than just the API documentation that is also available from msdn.com. The SDK is chock full of sample code, tools, examples and more.
Especially important is that the SDK includes the Plugin Registration tool, WebResource publisher tool, and more.
Developer Training Kit
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=23416
This training kit is for .NET developers to learn the development features of Dynamics CRM and help them build applications using Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 and CRM Online.
Report Authoring Extensions
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=27823
For writing custom SRS reports against CRM
Microsoft Sure Step
Downloadable local-install version
Sure Step Online
TONS AND TONS of project templates and tools!
Note that your company must be a Dynamics CRM partner and must give you appropriate access to Partner Source.
Fiddler
http://www.fiddler2.com/Fiddler2/version.asp
This is mandatory for troubleshooting and peeking into the http traffic.
Microsoft's All-in-one-do-everything VM is located here:
https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/deployment/methodology/vpc/msd_crm2011virtualmachine.htm
Requires Hyper-V server
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Entity Relationship Diagrams
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=2640
These Microsoft Office Visio diagrams show the logical database structure for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.
CRM Tracing Enablement
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907490
Enabling tracing on your Development CRM environment will save you HOURS of frustration trying to figure out "what's wrong." The tracing is excellent will will usually tell you immediately where the problem is.
CRM Trace Log Viewer
http://www.stunnware.com/crm2/topic.aspx?id=TraceLogViewer
Nice convenience tool until you turn into your own human log viewer and can scan the trace files like a robot yourself.
Dynamics CRM Version Matrix
http://rgsiiiya.blogspot.com/2010/09/dynamics-crm-version-matrix.html
The best way to know what version number maps to what Update Rollup.
Do you have an item of your own you would like to share? Please leave feedback and I'd be happy to add it to the list for us all to benefit from.
- Robert
It is an honor to be of service
