Do you have a need for a test or development environment for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0?
If you have the Enterprise Edition, then you can take advantage of the multi-tenancy feature to create multiple databases without having to purchase additional Client Access Licenses (CALs).
For example, the URL for your production system might be http://crm.acme.com, while the URL for your test system could be http://crmtest.acme.com and the URL for your development system could be http://crmdev.acme.com.
There would be three different CRM databases, but they could all be stored on the same database server and use the same Active Directory organization.
The disadvantage is the additional cost of the CRM Server license (about 3 times the cost of the Server license for the Professional Edition).
If you have the Professional Edition, then your primary option is to take advantage of the software provided in the MSDN Premium subscription. Note that it's MSDN Premium and NOT MSDN Professional.
This can be confusing because there are a number of different subscription options depending on the version of Visual Studio and MSDN subscription that you purchase. However, the key is to purchase the MSDN PREMIUM subscription.
Compare the various options
here.
The most common option is to purchase Visual Studio 2008 Professional with MSDN Premium. Check out all the software you get!
Just remember that all software obtained from the MSDN subscription is for NON-PRODUCTION use only! Learn more at the Frequently Asked Questions
page.
