Microsoft Dynamics CRM Spring 2014 release has introduced a new approach to CRM and SharePoint integration that is the server-based SharePoint integration. It can be enabled only by using the web or Outlook client for Dynamics CRM. One very important thing with this update is that you cannot revert to the previous client-based authentication method once you enable server-based SharePoint integration.
Steps to enable server-based SharePoint integration in Dynamics CRM Spring ’14 version:
- Settings ->Document Management
- Click “Enable server-based SharePoint integration”
- A wizard will open when you click “Enable server-based SharePoint integration”. Enter your SharePoint Site URL and click “Next”.
- Next,the wizard validates your SharePoint site. After validation, click “Next”.
- Click “Finish” to finish enabling server-based integraion between Microsoft Dynamics CRM and SharePoint Online.
- Now that Server-based SharePoint integration is enabled, you can start using the document management feature in Dynamics CRM as you did with the previous client side integration.
Benefits:
- You can view documents in Dynamics CRM without logging into SharePoint.
- With this update, you no longer have to install the Dynamics CRM list component in the sandbox environment for Microsoft SharePoint Online.
- Once you enable server-based SharePoint integration, you can perform SharePoint actions in the Dynamics CRM command bar.
- You can now view SharePoint documents list in native Dynamics CRM grids rather than iFrames.
- You can create and save customizable views of document list.
you should also write about the drawbacks of the new SharePoint-integration: You can’t edit any custom SharePoint-columns any more directly in the CRM except title and (file)name. That’s a big minus. And there is no way to go back to the old list component! So, be aware!