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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Compute, Networking, and Infrastructure Roadmap

Application Platforms Roadmap

Business Applications Roadmap

Security, Compliance, and Identity Management Roadmap

Desktop and Client 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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New! M365 Companion Apps to Be on by Default in Windows 11 August 21, 2025 August 21, 2025 Organizations should preview the Microsoft 365 Calendar, File Search, and People companion apps for Windows…more

Sentinel Data Lake Eases Storage of Logs August 18, 2025 August 18, 2025 Microsoft’s Sentinel Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) includes a new lower-cost data storage tier,…more

Defender Threat Intelligence Coming to Sentinel and Defender XDR at No Additional Cost August 18, 2025 August 18, 2025 Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence (MDTI) will be retired as a commercial offering on Aug. 1,…more

Who’s Who on a Microsoft Account Team Updated: August 15, 2025 Updated: August 15, 2025 Customers can save time and get better results from sales if they understand their Microsoft…more

HDInsight Stagnates: Time to Migrate August 9, 2025 August 9, 2025 HDInsight’s future is looking bleak as Microsoft abandons a major upgrade and retires key security…more

Microsoft Researcher Agent Can Speed Decision-Making, But Check Your Work August 8, 2025 August 8, 2025 Microsoft Researcher can accelerate complex decision-making by using deep reasoning and retrieval across business and…more

Windows 11 SE Support Ends Oct. 2026 August 8, 2025 August 8, 2025 All support will end in Oct. 2026 for Windows 11 SE, an OS configured for low-cost,…more

SharePoint Alerts Retiring: What You Need to Know August 7, 2025 August 7, 2025 Microsoft appears to be moving aggressively to retire SharePoint alerts by July 2026, which could…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.

Building and Licensing Copilot Agents August 27, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am PT Details Request Access

Microsoft Compliance Update 2025 September 24, 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 – 13 · Duration – 23m

Is No-Code Really Dead?

Is there still a place for no/low-code tools like those in Microsoft’s Power Platform with the rise of generative AI and GitHub Copilot? The New Stack’s news editor Darryl Taft joins Directions Rob Sanfilippo and Mary Jo Foley to debate the topic.

Season – 4 · Episode – 12 · Duration – 24m

The Human Side of Data Governance

Season – 4 · Episode – 11 · Duration – 36m

SQL Server 2025 to Deliver AI Features and Lots More

Season – 4 · Episode – 10 · Duration – 32m

Microsoft Security Copilot: What You Need to Know

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

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

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.