Developing ISV Applications using Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0
If you need to learn about Architecture, Deployment and Operations essentials of Dynamics CRM then I think you'll find this white paper very useful. It gives a good overview of the platform capabilities and the opportunities for ISVs to plug-in to the platform, your options for deployment (on-premise/partner-hosted/Dynamics CRM Online) and finally data analysis capabilities
You can learn more about building on the platform at http://www.innovateonmicrosoftdynamics.com and if you work for an ISV in Ireland / Northern Ireland contact me me for some other great (and free) resources.
Cross posted from ronan's blog