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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Application Platforms Roadmap

Database, Analytics, and AI/ML Roadmap

Compute, Networking, and Infrastructure Roadmap

Business Applications Roadmap

Security, Compliance, and Identity Management Roadmap

Desktop and Client Roadmap

Application Platforms Roadmap

Database, Analytics, and AI/ML Roadmap

Compute, Networking, and Infrastructure Roadmap

Business Applications Roadmap

Security, Compliance, and Identity Management Roadmap

Desktop and Client Roadmap

Application Platforms Roadmap

Database, Analytics, and AI/ML 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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Services Increasingly Expanding Beyond Microsoft 365 Suites Updated: June 17, 2025 Updated: June 17, 2025 New tiers of several Microsoft 365 core services are quite expensive and are not available…more

Identity Manager: Start Planning Replacement Options Now Updated: June 13, 2025 Updated: June 13, 2025 Microsoft Identity Manager is set for retirement in 2029, and no direct replacement is expected….more

Intune Premium License Tiers Still Not Worth It Updated: June 13, 2025 Updated: June 13, 2025 Two premium Intune tiers are now available, along with multiple à la carte features. Intune…more

Surge Protection Stabilizes Power BI, Fabric Performance, With Limits June 9, 2025 June 9, 2025 Surge protection is a Power BI and Fabric feature that reduces the chance of unexpected…more

Project for the Web Transitioning to Planner in August June 9, 2025 June 9, 2025 In Aug. 2025, Microsoft will retire Project for the Web, completing the transition to Planner….more

Enabling Intune to Force Apple Updates Improves Security June 7, 2025 June 7, 2025 Intune now can use managed software updates to force OS updates to all types of…more

Protected Actions Help Keep Entra ID Secure June 7, 2025 June 7, 2025 Protected actions offer a final conditional access check before administrators can make core changes to…more

Microsoft 365 Archive: Lower-Cost Storage with Compliance June 5, 2025 June 5, 2025 Microsoft 365 Archive can quickly archive and restore SharePoint Online sites while retaining administrative oversight…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.

Dynamics 365

by
Andrew Snodgrass

Enterprise Agreements

by
Rob Horwitz

Power Platform

by
Rob Sanfilippo

Microsoft Copilots: An Overall View

Server OS Products – Windows Server and Azure Local

by
Jim Gaynor

Understanding Azure Governance

by
Rob Sanfilippo

Webinars

Our Analysts and Experts convene live to discuss and answer questions on critical topics for Microsoft customers. Join live to interact, view recordings on demand, or both.

Microsoft’s AI-Native Applications Strategy June 19, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am PT Details Request Access

No Autopilot for Copilot July 31, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am PT Details Request Access

Meteor 2025: Exchange & Skype for Business Server March 20, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am PT Watch

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 – 4 · Episode – 10 · Duration – 32m

Microsoft Security Copilot: What You Need to Know

Microsoft made Security Copilot generally available just over a year ago. Special guest Microsoft MVP Ru Campbell and Directions analyst Wes Miller talk with Mary Jo Foley about the ways this marquee copilot is evolving, in terms of packaging, pricing and licensing — and what customers interested in it should and shouldn’t be doing.

Season – 4 · Episode – 9 · Duration – 23m

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat vs. OpenAI’s ChatGPT: How to Choose

Season – 4 · Episode – 8 · Duration – 23m

What’s Going on With Windows

Season – 4 · Episode – 7 · Duration – 49m

Microsoft: A Look Back From Inside

Season – 4 · Episode – 6 · Duration – 33m

Understanding Microsoft’s AI Strategy

Blog

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.