Custom plugins for CRM 4.0

A plugin is essentially an add-in for CRM to perform some business logic during various operations; typically when a record is saved (whether create or update).  These can operate synchronously or asynchronously - though many users want whatever it is to happen immediately; rather than wait some (unspecified) time (ala workflow...) - so synchronous is the obvious choice.

For example:

• A "auto-number" field (a "membership" number?) - generate new unique number, check for uniqueness
• "Ripple down" updates from one entity to another
• Attaching sales literature to email

Some of these operations could be equally performed using Javascript; the key difference being Javascript extensions of CRM operate on the client whereas plugins operate on the server.

Pre or Post

A plugin can run pre or post action (create/update) - this allows you to modify the record prior to saving (for instance) or run after saving to update other records.

Code Snippets

Take a look at the attaching sales literature to email for some code snippets.

Technologies

• Visual Basic
• C, C++, C#
• WinForms
• SQL
• CRM 4.0