The fact that Dynamics CRM 2015 will integrate with the Cortana personal assistant on Windows Phone 8.1 might be the sexiest part of new product features. But the industry templates announced this week at Microsoft's Convergence 2014 Europe conference are probably much more important. Microsoft says it will add templates for financial services, retail, public sector, manufacturing and professional service, resulting in 27 available by year end.

Consulting and reselling firm Columbus says it is "executing a recovery plan" for its operations in the United States. That follows a 21.3-percent decline of sales here, reported in the company's financial results for the third quarter ended September 30. Columbus, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, described the efforts in this country as involving a "reorganization of their senior management structure, and a strengthening of the sales management and the sales team."

OK: So you received the form and just knew you would return it by the October 26 deadline. But there it sits in your inbox. No need to worry; you can still send it in and be considered in this year's selection of Bob Scott's VAR Stars 2014. Yes, you too may be a lucky winner and be one of 100 quality organizations selected for this year's honor. Get those forms filled in post haste and send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reseller Microtask Consulting took home the President's Award for Outstanding Performance for 2014 at AccountMate's recent reseller conference. The Teaneck, N.J.-based company also received the company's International Partnership Award. Microtask has been led since August 1987 by managing partner Luis Leon. Houston, Texas-based Koenig Software Systems, led by Ken Koenig, was given the Director of Sales Award.