Expertise: Windows, security and malicious software, and software development practices

Michael Cherry analyzes and writes about Microsoft’s operating systems. He also an authority on Microsoft initiatives related to security and open source computing.

Before joining DIRECTIONS, Michael was an employee of Microsoft for over ten years where he held a variety of technical and marketing positions, including Program Manager for Windows Embedded and Windows 2000 IntelliMirror. Michael also worked as a Technical Evangelist for Microsoft’s Developer Relations Group, advising independent software vendors with enterprise resource planning and accounting products on how to exploit Microsoft's platforms for their products. He was also a Senior Architectural Engineer for Microsoft, assisting Microsoft’s large corporate customers in understanding Microsoft’s strategy and product directions. With a desire to understand how Microsoft’s products work in the real world, Michael spent time with Microsoft Consulting Services, deploying Windows NT and Exchange and designing domain and deployment strategies for Microsoft’s customers. Michael started at Microsoft as a Systems Engineer for Microsoft LAN Manager.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Michael supported local area networking at a variety of companies, including a large consulting engineering company. Michael also ran a networking company specializing in Novell NetWare, Banyan Vines, and 3COM network operating systems. He also worked in the data center for a Western Canadian provincial government, advising government agencies on their data processing plans. It was at the government where Michael first started to evaluate PCs and the potential for connecting them to existing systems and each other through networking.

Michael received his B.Sc. in Biology from Pace University and an M.B.A. from Regis University. He is currently completing a J.D. at Seattle University.