This page has alot of the key links we use all the time with CRM 2011:
What's new in Microsoft CRM 2011: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg309589.aspx
Here's another "what's new" page: http://www.opsvault.com/20-reasons-to-upgrade-to-microsoft-dynamics-crm-2011/
Good comparison between Microsoft CRM 2011 online version versus on-premise version:
http://www.amosfivesix.com/blog/24-other/116-microsoft-crm-online-versus-on-premises
Microsoft CRM 2011 Server requirements can be found here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh699840.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh699671.aspx
Microsoft CRM 2011 Client requirements can be found here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh699710.aspx
MIcrosoft CRM 2011 Implementation Guide:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=3621
Download the CRM 2011 SDK:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=24004
Customizing CRM 2011:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg328235.aspx
When you run the CRM 2011 install, you are required to tell CRM which user accounts to run the various CRM services. Here's a Microsoft write-up on the permissions required by these user accounts:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg554723.aspx
If you run into problems, turn on the trace log in CRM 2011:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907490
Upgrading from CRM 4.0 to CRM 2011:
Upgrading customizations: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg509046.aspx