The out-of-the-box feature of Dynamics CRM 2011 does not have integrate online map integration features. While there are many articles cover the integration of Bing map into entity forms in Dynamics CRM 2011, Bing map does not perform well in may countries and cities. Especially the support for different languages other than English is not encouraging.
By adding some javascript codes and fiddling with the address fields, we are abe to integrate the Google map into Account and Contact forms in Dynamics CRM. The map displays beatifully without just a small bit of delay when compared with the display of other elements in the form. The pin-pointed location on the map also locate the record address correctly. Features like screen view, panning and zoon button works in the same way as you are on the Google map page. I found using the mouse wheel to zoom in the pinpoint location of the map work perfectly for quicky find out the exact location down to the street level. We also try with addresses in Chinese, the map also works as good as it supposed to be.
So, now we have the Google map integrated, but is it useful to your operation?
The answer is "yes" in most cases, all depends on the nature of yoru businesses. Imagine that if you have a team of salesman using Dynamics CRM without an integrated map, one of the repetitive tasks he always do is to check out the exact location of the new client before the visit. He will usually first check out a contact or account record to find out the address of the client, and then start up another browser, open up google map and retype the address again to search for the location. Having an integrated Google map allowing the salesman simply opens up the record, scroll down the the map area and if necessary, keep on zoom into the details by scolling the mouse wheel. All the above can be done in a single step.
We have a client having the backoffice staff planning for stock collection for their fleet of trucks in different locations. Having an integrated map will surely ease their life in finding out new client's exact location and plan the routing of their trucks.