If you’ve been researching housing management solutions lately, you’ve probably found yourself deep in the “Microsoft Dynamics vs Salesforce” debate. It’s the tech world’s equivalent of Godzilla vs King Kong, and everyone seems to have an opinion. The “Salesforce vs Microsoft” conversation has been heating up, especially in the housing sector, where Salesforce housing solutions have been making quite a splash.
The current state of Housing tech: it’s complicated_
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Salesforce housing initiatives have been wooing associations with their slick presentations and fancy interfaces. And yes, we’ll admit it – their UI is pretty nice! However, choosing between Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce isn’t like picking a date based on their profile picture. Let’s dig deeper into what really matters when you’re looking for a long-term technology partner.
Salesforce: the charming new kid on the block_
Look, we get it. Salesforce knows how to make an entrance. And let’s be fair – they’ve built their reputation for good reason. Their user interface genuinely impresses with its clean, modern design, making legacy systems look ancient. New users often fall in love with intuitive navigation, and their customisable dashboards not only look good but work well, too. Even their mobile experience feels like it was part of the plan from day one.
When it comes to cloud credentials, Salesforce isn’t messing around. They boast a 99.9% uptime guarantee (and they’re pretty proud of it), along with regular updates that roll out smoothly and robust security features that help IT managers sleep at night. Their cloud infrastructure has been battle-tested by businesses worldwide, and it shows.
Their app ecosystem, anchored by AppExchange, offers thousands of pre-built applications backed by a strong developer community that’s constantly creating new solutions. The platform gets regular updates with new features, and its analytics capabilities are nothing to sneeze at. From built-in reporting tools to Einstein Analytics for the AI enthusiasts, they’ve got the bases covered.
Psst, here’s a little something you should know before reading on…
But here’s what the slick sales presentations often gloss over – while Salesforce is busy being the flashy new technology on the block, Microsoft has been quietly mastering the housing sector for years. Unlike Salesforce’s approach of laying new tech over old systems (digital makeup on legacy wrinkles, if you will), Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers something far more fundamental: a platform that’s both deeply integrated with tools you already use AND specifically tailored for housing operations.
The difference is a bit like comparing a fancy hotel to your own home. Sure, the hotel looks amazing, and the service is impeccable, but it’s designed for temporary stays – not for actually living there day in and day out. Microsoft Dynamics 365, especially with BRIKHousing, is built to be your digital home – comfortable, familiar, and designed around how you actually live and work.
Their Housing Sector approach_
Salesforce has been making waves in housing, and we must give credit where it’s due. They’ve formed strategic partnerships with major housing management system providers and developed pre-built housing accelerators for common processes. Their case management capabilities are strong, and they’ve put real thought into tenant engagement features.
But here’s where things get interesting. Once you get past the initial “wow” factor, some important considerations come into play. The Salesforce approach typically involves overlaying existing systems rather than replacing them outright. This means you’re looking at complex integrations with your current housing management system and data synchronisation that needs careful management. Your tech stack might end up looking more like a game of Jenga than a streamlined solution.
The price tag question_
Let’s talk money (everyone’s favourite topic!). Salesforce’s pricing structure is clear enough on the surface – various licensing tiers, per-user pricing, and additional costs for premium features and storage. But remember – the sticker price isn’t the whole story. The real costs often hide in the details: integration with existing systems, training and change management, potential middleware requirements, and ongoing customisation needs. It’s a bit like buying a fancy car and then realising you need to rebuild your garage to fit it.
The implementation reality_
When it comes to implementation, Salesforce has its process down to a science, but it’s quite an involved one. You’re looking at a significant upfront planning phase, heavy involvement from consulting partners, and substantial configuration work. Their typical “big bang” go-live approach can feel like preparing for a space launch – exciting but nerve-wracking.
It’s manageable, but it’s a bit like organising a wedding where the bride and groom’s families speak different languages – there’s a lot of translation needed.
Housing associations often find themselves juggling multiple vendor relationships, coordinating between different system teams, and dealing with complex data migration scenarios.
Microsoft Dynamics 365: the one that gets you_
While Salesforce has been busy perfecting its sales pitch, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (especially when paired with BRIKHousing) has been quietly building something rather special. Instead of just putting a pretty face on your old system, it’s offering a complete makeover – inside and out.
The Microsoft advantage_
The beauty of Microsoft Dynamics 365 lies in its natural fit within the Microsoft ecosystem. Office 365, Teams, and Azure aren’t just names on an integration list – they’re family. There’s no awkward middleware trying to make everyone get along, just tools that naturally work together like they’ve known each other for years.
While Salesforce often relies on a patchwork of third-party providers (creating a digital version of that house with seven different builders who never talked to each other), Microsoft gives you a cohesive platform built from the ground up. It’s the difference between a house where all the doors actually close properly versus one where you need to lift and jiggle every handle just right.
When you combine Dynamics 365 with BRIKHousing, you get something that’s built for housing associations, not just adapted for them. We’re talking about a system that actually knows what a void property is, understands the difference between a repair and a renewal, and doesn’t need you to explain housing terms like you’re Ted Lasso teaching the offside rule.
Project reality vs project fantasy_
Let’s talk about something we’ve all experienced – project timelines that seem to exist in a parallel universe where weeks have 20 days. Salesforce implementations are notorious for the “just a few more months” syndrome that can stretch your go-live date further than budget meeting small talk.
Microsoft benefits from a massive community of skilled engineers who already know the platform, and because it integrates with tools your team already uses, you’re not starting from scratch. Your staff doesn’t have to learn an entirely new digital language – they’re just adding some new vocabulary to what they already speak.
AI that actually works where you need it_
Everyone’s talking about AI these days, but there’s a big difference between “having AI” and “having useful AI.” Salesforce’s Einstein often feels like that friend who’s really smart but never available when you need help moving furniture – it requires additional data clouds and isn’t consistently available across applications.
Microsoft’s Copilot, on the other hand, is like having a helpful colleague who’s already familiar with all your systems. It’s integrated throughout the Microsoft ecosystem, works with the tools you use daily, and doesn’t require a PhD in data science to set up. It’s AI that shows up ready to work, not just ready to impress in demonstrations.
The integration question_
Perhaps the biggest difference lies in how these systems handle integration. Salesforce typically requires you to invest in a collection of third-party connectors that cost extra, need separate maintenance, and create a more fragmented platform. It’s like having to hire a translator every time different departments need to talk to each other.
Microsoft’s cohesive platform eliminates this digital Tower of Babel situation. Your tenant management system can talk directly to your repairs module, which connects seamlessly with your compliance tracking. No expensive translators, no communication breakdowns, no “sorry, that system doesn’t talk to this system” headaches.
Smart economics_
For organisations already invested in Microsoft tools, the financial equation makes a lot of sense. You’re not paying for three systems to do the job of one, and your integration costs won’t make your finance team cry. The pricing is predictable (revolutionary, we know!), and you’re building on the technology you already own.
The Power Platform difference_
Microsoft’s Power Platform is like having a technical Swiss Army knife in your pocket. You can build your own apps without a computer science degree, automate those tedious tasks nobody wants to do, and create dashboards that make your data make sense. Need to connect IoT devices for predictive maintenance? Done. Want to solve specific housing challenges without calling IT every time? You got it.
Implementation: a tale of two approaches_
The way these systems make it into your organisation is quite different. It’s like choosing between a complete home renovation versus updating one room at a time. Both get you to a nice house eventually, but the experience (and stress levels) are worlds apart.
The “Big Bang” approach (often seen with Salesforce_
When it comes to implementation, Salesforce typically takes what we call the “big bang” approach:
- Everything changes at once (your IT team might need therapy afterwards)
- Takes about as long as building a small housing development (12+ months)
- Risk level: “betting your career on a single project launch”
- Complex integrations with multiple systems happening simultaneously
- Your data has to play ping-pong between your new Salesforce layer and your existing systems
- Testing happens at the end when it’s too late to make fundamental changes
- User feedback comes after you’ve already committed millions
- Training feels like trying to learn an entirely new profession in a weekend
This approach is particularly problematic for housing associations, where systems manage critical processes from repairs to compliance. When everything changes at once, the risk of disruption to tenant services is significant. Your teams are trying to learn new systems while still delivering essential services, and any integration issues can cascade throughout your operations.
The BRIKHousing “Module by Module” approach_
BRIKHousing’s approach is fundamentally different, and it’s at the heart of how we deliver successful implementations:
- Implement one module at a time (like fixing one housing process before moving to the next)
- See results faster than a repairs team can fix a leaky tap (1-3 months for your first module)
- Risk level: “updating Windows” rather than “full system migration without backups”
- Users can actually provide feedback that shapes the system while it’s being built
- Each team gets comfortable with their module before the next team starts
- Training happens naturally as teams adopt each module
- Success breeds success – early wins create enthusiasm for the next phase
- Your organisation can digest change at a reasonable pace
The modular approach recognises that housing associations have distinct processes that can be addressed independently: tenant management, repairs, compliance, asset management, and more. By implementing one module at a time, your teams see immediate benefits in their daily work, which builds confidence and enthusiasm for the broader transformation.
Why the module-by-module approach works especially well for Housing_
Housing associations face unique implementation challenges that make the module-by-module approach particularly valuable:
- Multiple specialised teams with different requirements can adopt at their own pace
- Critical compliance processes can be carefully transitioned without risking regulatory issues
- Tenant-facing services can be improved incrementally without disruption
- Limited IT resources can focus on one area at a time rather than being spread too thin
- Housing-specific processes can be fine-tuned during implementation rather than after going live
- Staff who may be less comfortable with technology changes have time to adapt
- ROI starts flowing earlier as each module delivers its benefits
This isn’t just theory – it’s how real housing associations have successfully transformed their technology. North Star Housing Group, with a lean IT team of just four people, completely replaced their legacy systems using this approach. They didn’t need an army of consultants or a massive IT department – just a sensible approach that broke the challenge into manageable pieces.
Making your choice_
When you’re deep in the Salesforce vs Microsoft comparison, it’s easy to get lost in feature lists and pricing tables. Sure, Salesforce has a UI that could win beauty contests, and their marketing team deserves a round of applause. But Microsoft Dynamics 365 with BRIKHousing is like finding out your blind date is both good-looking AND interesting to talk to. When making your decision, think about the total cost (including those sneaky hidden bits), how well it actually knows housing (beyond the buzzwords), and whether you’re ready for a long-term relationship with your tech.
The bottom line_
Choosing between Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365 isn’t just about picking a new IT system – it’s about choosing a partner for your digital future. While Salesforce might sweep you off your feet with its impressive sales pitch and shiny interface, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (especially with BRIKHousing) is the one that will migrate your legacy data AND remember where it puts the backups.
But let’s talk security for a moment – because it matters more than ever for housing associations. Salesforce’s approach of connecting multiple systems creates a security picture that looks like Swiss cheese – too many entry points and integration vulnerabilities for comfort. It’s like having a Ferrari body with a lawn mower engine – it looks flashy, but what’s happening under the hood is concerning.
For housing associations, security isn’t just about avoiding embarrassing data breaches – it’s about maintaining regulatory compliance. When your system goes down or gets compromised, you’re not just facing financial losses; you’re risking government sanctions and fines that can devastate your ability to deliver services to tenants. Microsoft’s unified platform approach means fewer access points for cyber attacks, more consistent security policies, and, ultimately, better protection for your critical tenant and property data.
The combination of Microsoft’s solid foundation, BRIKHousing’s deep housing knowledge, and our “one bite at a time” approach means you get more than just a pretty face – you get a solution that actually understands what you need and helps you get there without the drama.
Ready to see what a perfect match looks like? Let’s show you how Microsoft Dynamics 365 and BRIKHousing can transform your housing association.
A note from the Infinity Group team_
We’ll be the first to admit that we’re biased in this comparison. After all, we’re Microsoft Partners, and we’ve built our entire business around Microsoft Dynamics 365 because we genuinely believe it’s the best platform for housing associations. But we encourage you to do your own research, ask tough questions of both platforms and make the decision that’s right for your organisation’s specific needs and challenges. The perfect solution is the one that solves your unique problems – we just happen to think Microsoft Dynamics 365 with BRIKHousing does that better than anyone else.
