Expertise: Strategic & Corporate Directions. Enterprise & developer product roadmap, corporate organization, server applications and networking.

As director of research, Rob Helm leads the analyst team and directs coverage of Microsoft’s shifting product roadmap and corporate organization. His 13 years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology and strategy allows him to discern the company’s overall direction from the sometimes confusing and contradictory signals it sends to customers and the industry.

Rob previously has led Directions coverage of Microsoft’s database management systems, developer strategy, and embedded platforms. His 13 years of prior experience in the computer industry include research on advanced developer tools, optimization of cluster applications, design of network protocols at the University of Oregon, and design and implementation of databases for the U.S. Navy.

Rob received his B.S. in computer science and mathematics from the University of Puget Sound and his M.S. in computer science from the University of Oregon.