Rob Helm

Rob Helm

Analyst

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration and content management. His 25-plus 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 managed the Directions on Microsoft analyst team and its database management systems, developer strategy, and embedded platform research. 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 a B.S. in computer science and mathematics from the University of Puget Sound and an M.S. in computer science from the University of Oregon.

Latest Content by Rob Helm

  Roadmap
Updated: November 10, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Azure Virtual Desktop Roadmap AVD delivers Windows client applications to mobile workers, remote sites, and off-site contractors.
  Infographic
Updated: November 10, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Chart shows Strengths and weaknesses of Azure virtual desktop services and Windows Server RDS.
Comparing Azure Virtual Desktop Services Chart summarizes strengths and weaknesses of several Azure virtual desktop services and Windows Server RDS.
  In Brief
Updated: November 7, 2025 · by Rob Helm
M365 Companion Apps Installing in Windows 11 Organizations should preview the Microsoft 365 Calendar, File Search, and People companion apps for Windows 11 and block installs where...
  Analyst Report
Updated: October 23, 2025 · by Rob Helm
ESUs Protect Systems Past Support Customers should subscribe to Extended Security Updates for any unsupported Microsoft software they run.
  Roadmap
Updated: October 21, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Windows 365 Roadmap Windows 365 offers Microsoft-hosted Windows virtual desktops, which Microsoft calls Cloud PCs, that customers use and manage with the same...
  In Brief
Updated: October 21, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Dev Box Merges into Windows 365 Microsoft Dev Box will block new customers starting Nov. 1, 2025, and it will eventually merge into Windows 365.
  Analyst Report
Updated: October 12, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Windows 11 25H2: Support and a Kill Switch for In-Box Apps Customers on Windows 11 versions before 24H2 should migrate to the just- released Windows 11 25H2, while others should evaluate...
  In Brief
October 9, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Adopt M365 Session Timeout for Outlook Web by Jan. 2026 Microsoft 365 will stop automatically signing out inactive Outlook on the Web users in Jan. 2026, creating a security and...
  Roadmap
Updated: October 7, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Event Hubs Roadmap Roadmap for Azure Event Hubs.
  Analyst Report
October 6, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Windows 365 Frontline Expands Reach of Cloud PCs A Frontline license and other recent changes make Windows 365 cost-effective for more virtual desktop scenarios.