Introduction to the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Instance Adapter

Posted on October 26, 2012 by JoeCRM

The Connector for Microsoft Dynamics

Acknowledging a need for a tool that would allow for simple yet powerful data transfer among Dynamics packages, Microsoft released a utility called the Connector for Microsoft Dynamics.  With it, partners and users are able to maintain common data across different Dynamics packages without the need for writing custom code, creating SSIS packages or purchasing third party migration tools.

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Instance Adapter

Up to this point, migrating data between two CRM instances has not been supported by the Connector, but that has changed with the release of the new CRM 2011 Instance Adapter.  This adapter was built specifically with the purpose of transferring data between CRM 2011 instances in any hosting environment.  Maintaining consistent data across multiple organizations or migrating entire datasets across hosting environments has never been more efficient or economical.

How to Use the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Instance Adapter

PowerObjects has created the following blogs in order to make the process of downloading, installing, configuring and using the new CRM Instance Adapter as painless as possible. You can either follow the blogs in the order we’ve provided below or skip to the specific topic you need.

Happy CRM’ing!

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JoeCRM

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Expert at PowerObjects
Joe CRM is a CRM superhero who runs on pure Microsoft Dynamics CRM adrenaline. As the face of PowerObjects, Joe CRM’s mission is to reveal innovative ways to use Dynamics CRM and bring the application to more business and organizations around the world.
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  • Donna Edwards

    Thanks for the great write-up. There is also a chapter on the Connector in the CRM Field Guide (http://crmfieldguide.com). Cheers

  • Kenneth

    We have a CRM 2011 onsite.. And we like to move data between organisations. I know you nee a ms crm connector for this, but is this something you have to buy or should this be a integrated in crm2011? I my think we have to buy it, but I am not sure yet.. Do you know a easy way to move data between organisations?

    • alexfagundes

      Hi Kenneth,

      Yep – this would work and it is one of the use cases it appears to have been designed for. The connector is free. You can download it from here:

      http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35385

      Let us know if it works ok for your needs.

      • Kenneth

        I still have some problem to get this connector. I am new in CRM.. on the pdf instruction, it says I have to have this version of the connector:

        System Requirements
         Connector for Microsoft Dynamics version 2.1.317.1 or greater, which can be obtained from Customer Source at the following URL: https://mbs.microsoft.com/customersource/productinformation/relatedproducts/MSDYN_ConnectorforMicrosoftDynamics.

        When I go to that link, I have to log in with my microsoft account. I have on that we use for all ms thing. Then I get this message:

        The Windows Live™ ID you used has not been associated with an existing Microsoft Dynamics profile yet. If this is your first time accessing PartnerSource or CustomerSource with your Windows Live ID please enter your email address below.

        Here I am not sure what to use. For if I try to type in my ms mail account, I just get this message:

        The email address you entered was not found in our records. Please check the email address and try again. If you have never accessed the system before, please use the following link for additional instructions: FAQ. There I can’t get any further…. Do I have to register that account somewhere?

        • Kenneth

          and just one more thing.. We do not use any ERP solutions. I just need to move data between organisation in CRM.

          • alexfagundes

            HI Kenneth – no prob you shoudl be able to use this wihtout having any ERP solution. So what you will need to do is to add your live id to ‘ms voice’. once it is added in voice you can then access customer source and download the connector then the crm adatper for the connector from customer source. here’s more info on getting logged on to customer source:

            http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/customer/en-us/access-customersource/default.aspx

          • Florian

            Hi, I have the same problem as Kenneth has.
            I can not find a Connector Download for only MS CRM.
            I do have access to the downloading page of MS Connector ( Customer and even PartnerSource Account ) but there is no version “just for CRM”.
            Our approach is also to move data across different MS CRM organizations regularly. So there is no ERP or other solution in place. Only MS CRM 2011.
            Does it really matter for the instance adapter what kind of MS Connector I will install ?
            Thanks.

          • alexfagundes

            Hi Florian – You can download any of the instance dapaters, but we recomend the SL instance as it has the smallers foot print.