CRM 2011 ONLINE - Clone existing instance

Question

Is it possible to clone an existing online instance (data + schema) into a new online instance? Client wants to keep both instances going.

Keep in mind this is a CRM 2011 online instance.

Answer 1

Moving your schema is straightforward: Export your solution from the existing organisation (instance), then import it into the new one. Once you publish it in the new org, your custom entities, forms, views etc will all be visible. (As an aside: This is a good way to backup your changes as you go, too)

Data, however, is different: Microsoft provide no tools to do this automatically.

You may be able to get help directly from Microsoft (or your Microsoft partner) with doing this, but my gut feel is that they won't be in a rush to help you out. If you don't have significant volumes of data, or if it's simple, the built-in export/import tools may help but you'll need to be smart about import ordering to ensure relationships etc stay intact.