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

  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.
  Analyst Report
Updated: October 21, 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.
  In Brief
September 29, 2025 · by Rob Helm
  Analyst Report
Updated: September 22, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Project Online to Shut Down Sept. 30, 2026 The Project Online service will shut down in Sept. 2026 and remove access to all customer data in the service,...