Expertise: Licensing, sales and marketing, partner strategies (including programs for ISVs, systems integrators, and OEMs), and product support.

Paul DeGroot analyzes and writes on Microsoft’s sales, licensing, and support strategies, including its relationships with partners. He also covers Microsoft’s desktop products for business and consumers.

Prior to joining DIRECTIONS, Paul was the President of Pica Communications, which offers content development and consulting services to telecom and software companies. Prior to joining Pica, Paul was the Managing Editor for the Southam New Media Center in Canada, where he established an online portal for the company’s 32 newspaper properties across Canada. As a journalist, Paul has covered every aspect of the IT industry for 17 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the Toronto Globe & Mail, and the Toronto Star, among others.

Paul received his B.A. in History from the University of Washington.