Yesterday Microsoft released a new Rollup Update (7). It can be downloaded from

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=29221

Microsoft continues adding new features to Dynamics CRM 2011 on each rollup update that is released, not only fixing bugs or issues.

A new feature that is included on this rollup update is called Read Optimized Forms. This allows faster form loads that are intended to be used for read only purposes.

More information can be read at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh913610.aspx

Notice that this new feature is disabled by default when you install the Rollup Update 7.

To enable this feature go to Settings then to Administration and click on System Settings

After enabling this feature everytime you open a record from a grid by double clicking the forms will open in read only mode as follows

Noticed there is no ribbon controls on the top.

If you have any JavaScript code that will run for the On Load event then the Form will open in Edit mode and won't use the read optimized mode. The feature will be disabled for that entity to prevent breaks on any previous customizations that might be already in place.

You can see more information about this new feature at

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/crm/archive/2012/03/22/read-optimized-forms.aspx