In the strict sense of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software, Microsoft’s latest addition to the Office 365 suite; Outlook Customer Manager isn’t quite there, but it’s certainly takes small businesses along the CRM path.

It’s designed to part way there, and with growth the business can then move to Microsoft Dynamics 365 to take advantage of enhanced customer information and full CRM when appropriate.

The data is all held within Microsoft Office 365, so there is no setting up connectors to other software or services, or managing separate products as would be the case with a SalesforceIQ solutions for example.

The information is gathered automatically from email, calendar and call log data from within the Office 365 suite, reducing the need to manually enter information regarding your customer interactions.

Outlook Customer Manager is currently rolling out to customers who have opted in to First Release (available in Release preferences within Organization profile of Admin Centre), later becoming available to all Business Premium subscribers.

This latest application will also be available as a mobile app initially available only for Apple iOS, but over time is expected to be available on other mobile platforms.