Directions Atlas Membership

Make confident decisions with full access to unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides and more. Atlas simplifies Microsoft for your enterprise.

Membership Benefits

Top Authors & Analysts Andrew Snodgrass, Wes Miller, Mary Jo Foley

Azure Solution Architectures Rob Sanfilippo summarizes how to put Azure services together to solve common problems.

Delivers critical information about Microsoft technologies, roadmaps, and licensing I wish my team could mine on their own.

Jeff G.

What Directions provides for Microsoft-centric professionals is utterly unique.

Lane S. VP of Business Development, SHI

A must-have resource for navigating Microsoft licensing complexity. It saves us countless hours compared to deciphering the rules ourselves.

Gregory F. IT Purchasing Manager, UPS

Whenever I discuss Microsoft licensing with someone, I always bring up Directions.

David R. Worldwide Licensing Manager, Lendlease

Crisp, detailed, comprehensive. It’s far better than anything we get from our reseller or Microsoft.

Bernd R. Software Licensing Manager, FMS Wertmanagement

I’ve been using Directions for more years than I can remember. I rely on this incredibly valuable tool to stay informed and ahead.

Brian C. Technical Program Manager, Avanade

I constantly refer to your online materials for my job. Thank you!

Nicole K. Senior IT Infrastructure Manager, Exxon

I recommend Directions to every customer. Your Microsoft licensing information and training are exceptional.

DeAnna G. Managing Consultant, Snow Software

I use the platform and training daily to address Microsoft licensing inquiries. Directions and its people are truly one of a kind.

Megan B. Licensing Solutions Specialist, Capital Group Companies

The information and training they offer are far superior to anything available from Microsoft or elsewhere.

Lamar J. IT Strategic Sourcing, Capital Group Companies

Directions on Microsoft is amazing. We have never had licensing resources that even come close to what you provide.

Nancy T. Manager Information Technology, Torchmark

I gain more insights about Microsoft using Directions than from any other source, including Gartner.

Chris A. Desktop Technology Services Manager, Portland General Electric

Helps my team navigate Microsoft complexities and find the information needed for better decisions.

Tom H. Director Cloud Solutions, Tangent

Directions repeatedly proves its value with the right information to accelerate decisions and reduce costs.

Shaun B. Enterprise Architect, BP International

Simplifies our jobs by offering the critical Microsoft facts we often struggle to find on our own.

Christ V. G. Product Group Manager, IVENT

We’re making Microsoft decisions much faster with this tool.

David C. Board Member, Southern Australia Government IT Council

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Thousands of Expert Reports
Accurate Product Roadmaps
Licensing Reference Sets
Webinars, Podcasts and more
Curated Kits & Collections

Roadmaps

The essential source of accurate facts on Microsoft products and services, Roadmaps clarify cross-product dependencies, end-of-support dates, and upcoming releases in one highly organized format.

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Desktop and Client Roadmap

Database, Analytics, and AI/ML Roadmap

Compute, Networking, and Infrastructure Roadmap

Application Platforms Roadmap

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Business Applications Roadmap

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Security, Compliance, Identity, and Management Roadmap

Analyst Reports

Our experts meticulously cut through the haze of Microsoft information so you don’t have to. Analyst Reports provide the clearest, most accurate, and up-to-date information anywhere, free of hype or complexity.

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Microsoft Loop Delivers Real-Time Collaboration, But Isn’t for Everyone February 19, 2026 February 19, 2026 Microsoft Loop enables real-time collaboration across Microsoft 365, keeping shared content synchronized across messages, meetings,…more

VMware Rapid Migration Plan Loses Incentives: Some Benefits for Commitment Remain Updated: February 18, 2026 Updated: February 18, 2026 Note: Following a further extension of the deadline for the VMware Rapid Migration Plan to…more

When Is Purview Pay-as-You-Go? February 16, 2026 February 16, 2026 Purview offers an increasing number of PAYG services. Almost all of these services are PAYG…more

Places Charges Move from Users to Resources February 16, 2026 February 16, 2026 Places license changes due Apr. 1, 2026, will affect customers differently depending on their work…more

The Project Manager Agent Is an Assistant February 9, 2026 February 9, 2026 The Project Manager agent doesn’t manage projects but can benefit accidental project managers. Using the…more

Microsoft 365 Backup Targets Exchange and SharePoint Online Using a PAYG model February 9, 2026 February 9, 2026 Microsoft 365 Backup provides backup of Exchange Online mailboxes, OneDrive for work accounts, and SharePoint…more

Enhancements Could Break Down Agent Adoption Barriers February 8, 2026 February 8, 2026 Copilot Studio continues to receive frequent significant updates. The latest round arrived in Nov. 2025,…more

What to Use When: Copilot for Office, Agent Mode, and Agents in Office February 6, 2026 February 6, 2026 Agent Mode introduces chat in Office that directly modifies files but doesn’t support all the…more Get Access to Over 6,600 Reports Atlas Membership

Infographics

We break down complex topics into easy-to-understand visuals. Whether convoluted licensing structures or multifaceted product comparisons, our graphics help you make sense of key details at a glance.

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Licensing & Reference

Navigate Microsoft licensing and avoid costly pitfalls with continuously updated reference materials that help you understand Microsoft licensing strategies, options and pricing, upcoming changes, and more.

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Packaging
Understand Microsoft product bundles and packages to make informed purchasing decisions.

Compliance
Get clear guidance on licensing rules to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.

Purchase Options
Explore available licensing options to find the most cost-effective and strategic fit for your needs.

Versions
Stay up-to-date on the latest software and service versions to ensure compatibility and maximize value.

Rights to Use
Know exactly what your licenses allow or restrict so you can optimize usage and stay compliant.

Discount Eligibility
Identify opportunities for discounts based on your organization’s size, industry, and agreements.

Documentation
Access detailed licensing documentation to clarify terms and conditions at every stage.

Infographics
Visual guides simplify complex licensing scenarios, making it easier to understand your options.

Timelines
Stay informed about key dates and changes to manage your renewals and satisfy audit requirements.

Kits & Collections

Our Analysts help you go deep, fast with curated Kits & Collections containing the most relevant roadmaps, product reports, licensing materials and more for key topics including AI, Azure, Power BI, Teams and Copilot.

Understanding Azure Governance

by
Rob Sanfilippo

Migrating Compute Workloads to Azure VMs

Artificial Intelligence

by
Rob Sanfilippo

Webinars & Videos

Our Analysts and Licensing Experts break down critical topics into concise, high-impact videos and webinars, ensuring your team is always ahead of Microsoft roadmap shifts and licensing changes.

Microsoft Roadmap Update, Dec. 2025 December 10, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am PT Watch

Directions Atlas. What’s New? February 1 – 14 Updated: February 19, 2026

Podcasts

With over 30 years experience covering Microsoft, we provide unique perspectives about the shifts in Microsoft technologies, roadmaps and licensing policies that matter most to enterprise-size companies.

Season – 5 · Episode – 4 · Duration – 37m

Microsoft 365 Copilot Licensing: Five Things You Need to Know

Whether you’re still on the fence or in the midst of deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot, you’ll want to make sure you know these five things about M365 Copilot licensing. Directions’ Rob Horwitz digs into the details with Mary Jo Foley in this episode.

Season – 5 · Episode – 3 · Duration – 25m

SQL Server Migrations: Tips to Help You Prepare

Season – 1 · Episode – 1 · Duration – 30m

Three Smart Guys: Microsoft’s 2026 Challenges

Season – 5 · Episode – 2 · Duration – 24m

Microsoft Ignoring Your Org’s Needs? We Have Some Tips for That

Season – 5 · Episode – 1 · Duration – 17m

What Microsoft’s Recent M365 Bundling Moves Mean for You

Blogs

Read articles written by our team of Microsoft experts and advisors to stay on the cutting edge of insight, curated by leading industry voice Mary Jo Foley, Editor In Chief.