<- Back to Training

Convince Your Boss!

Get Best-in-class Training | Make Better Decisions

Dear [your boss’s name here]:

I’d like to attend in-depth training on licensing Microsoft products and services. The seminar will help me obtain essential but hard-to-find licensing knowledge and best practices—knowledge I’ll use to help our organization make smarter Microsoft-related licensing decisions, avoid potentially expensive compliance mistakes, negotiate more effectively with Microsoft, and get the most out of our Microsoft investments.

The “Licensing Boot Camp” training is given by Directions on Microsoft, an independent analyst firm in the Seattle, WA, area – just down the street from Microsoft headquarters – that has focused exclusively on Microsoft technologies and licensing programs since 1992. Their Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp provides 18 hours of intensive licensing training, including:

  • Microsoft 365: packaging & licensing, including additional-cost extras that may be required, and product inter-dependencies and support life cycles that could impact licensing
  • Azure: licensing common workloads; purchasing & payment options; savings opportunities
  • License compliance: how to avoid traps, preventing costly audits, without overbuying
  • Contract negotiation: Tips on structuring our negotiation plan, negotiation tactics, and best ways to gain strategic concessions

At the seminar, I’ll also have the chance to hear how my peers from around the globe deal with Microsoft licensing and contract issues, including lessons learned, success stories, and things to avoid. The registration fee covers Boot Camp admission, access to experts for one-on-one discussions, and valuable content to share with my colleagues.

This event is held only a few times a year, and feedback from previous Boot Camp attendees indicates it’s well worth the investment.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[ your name here ]

Filter by Role

“Directions does a great job of presenting information specific to Microsoft that Gartner doesn’t — information you can’t easily find in any other source.”

Jeff Cooper Desktop Designs & Standards

Just what I needed to architect financially sound solutions.

Michael S. Principal Systems Engineer, Medica

Instruction and content surpassed my expectations.

Brett E. Enterprise Architect, State Farm Insurance

I had no idea how much money we were wasting.

Brien J. IT Director, Invensys Corporation

Great information we will leverage during our next EA renewal.

Vicki C. Sr. IT Procurement Specialist, HNTB

Changed the way I approach architecting new solutions.

Andrew S. IT Manager Workload Hosting, TruStage

I finally feel ready to tackle our Microsoft EA.

Beth B. Server Infrastructure Manager, Amerihealth Administrators

Boosted my confidence in managing our Microsoft agreements 100%

Darrell W. IT Infrastructure & Operations Manager, Chickasaw Nation Industries

Jam-packed with great insights.

Timonthy W. Software Sourcing Manager, CUNA Mutual Group

Made this complex and convoluted topic understandable.

Steven H. Sr. IT Manager, Varian Medical System

Delivered value beyond our expectations.

Teresa W. Sourcing Specialist II, CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Networking with others dealing with big Microsoft licensing challenges was great.

Scott S. VP Global IT Sourcing, Cooper Standard Automotive

Gave me clarity on how to negotiate our next deal.

Stan C. Sr. IT Procurement Specialist, Clearesult Consulting

Unlike other courses, this one delivers real value. No regrets!

Scott F. Sr. Procurement Manager, Global Food & Beverage Company

Amazing class that covers critical material in record time.

Robert S. Lead ITAM Specialist, BCBSSC

We’re all coming back next year.

Melissa W. Software Acquisition & Management, Experian

Gave me an action plan for both compliance and strategic licensing decisions.

Mike W. IT Analyst, County of Sonoma

We’ve never had a resource that comes close to what you provide.

Nancy T. Sr. IT Expense Manager, Torchmark

Uncovered hidden licensing savings for future projects.

Peter D. IT Infrastructure Manager, Dialysis Clinic, Inc.

Microsoft licensing is a moving target. This training keeps me ahead of the curve.

Larry D. Sr. Project Process Analyst, FedEx

I’m a newcomer to Microsoft licensing. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.

Larry R. Software Portfolio Lead, Xerox

I only wish you would add an extra day.

Marcel F. Software Procurement Analyst, County of Sonoma

Cleared up my Microsoft licensing confusion.

Matt M. Technology Risk Consultant, Deloitte & Touche

The course paid for itself in the first hour.

Karen S. IT Procurement Manager, Maritz

Built a solid foundation for a complete beginner. Exactly what I needed.

Judith V. Enterprise License Agreement Team Lead, Dept. of the Air Force

Now I know what to look and ask for.

Josephine Makondora Contracts Manager, UNICEF

Gave us much to consider and get done before we renew our EA.

Judith A. Project Coordinator, Brown Brothers Harriman

Hands down the best training I have ever attended.

John N. IT Procurement Program Manager, Flow International Corp.

Must-have training for anyone who deals with Microsoft licensing.

John. M Sourcing Leader, H&R Block

Deep knowledge, amazing delivery. Phenomenal!

Gregg H. IT Purchasing Manager, HF Management Services

I wish we had attended sooner.

Griselda C. Software Procurement Specialist, UNICEF

We pick up new licensing strategies and tactics each year we attend.

Janice M. IT Procurement & Licensing Manager, GuideOne Insurance

Incredibly knowledgeable team and comprehensive training.

Jason C. Vendor Relationship Manager, Citizens Property Insurance

Delivered information I needed with none of the confusing jargon Microsoft throws at us.

Joan W. Server Infrastructure Director, Unisys

The equivalent of getting a PhD in Microsoft licensing.

David O. Global IT Executive Director, Karl Storz Endoskope

Completely changed my understanding of Microsoft licensing.

Graham P. IT Staff Manager, Analog

Great instructors, information, Q&A, and networking.

Cara R. R&D Operations Team Lead, Perceptive Software, a Lexmark company

Great event. I can’t think of anything more I could have wanted.

Carl H. Project Coordinator, Fitness International

I keep coming back because the rules keep changing.

Carl L. Sr. Contract Manager, Mass General Brigham

We already gained an advantage using knowledge from the training.

Silvie H. Microsoft Licensing Specialist, Copaco

The antidote to Microsoft licensing complexity.

Alphonse T. Technology Services Manager, IDRC

Weeks later I am still reaping rewards from this class.

Beryl S. Finance & Operations Officer, Intl. Development Resource Center

Exactly what we needed to prepare for our EA renewal.

Bill P. IT Supervisor, City of Arlington (TX)

We left with armed with new insights for advising our clients on Microsoft licensing.

Sindy K. Managing Director IT Services, Business Connexion

Directions makes Microsoft licensing seem clear and manageable.

Leila K. Software Sales Manager, Connection

Perfect for someone with limited Microsoft licensing and negotiation experience.

David M. Configuration Analyst, FCO Services

A must for anyone who has to deal with Microsoft licensing.

Chris H. Account Manager, Bytes Software Services

You’ve made our jobs a whole lot easier.

Christ G. Product Group Manager, IVENT

The entire class was outstanding. Kudos!

Susan A. Technical Analyst, Blount International

We spent most of last week applying what we learned.

Steve W. Global Finance Manager, United Technologies

Second time here and I plan to come again. Enough said.

Steve. P. ITAM Analyst, HIS Market

The trainers answered all of our questions no matter how complicated.

Ross K. IT Services Analyst, General Mills

Clear and complete deep dive into Microsoft licensing.

Stacy B. Software Licensing Specialist, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies

Far more informative and useful than expected. Bravo!

Nedda S. IT Administration Manager, Automobile Club of Southern Cal.

Turned on light bulbs in all areas.

Lyle A. IT Business Manager, Husky Energy

An eye-opening experience. Definitely worth the time and money.

Nathan C. Enterprise Systems Manager, Pier 1 Imports

Worth every cent for anyone looking to strengthen their grasp on Microsoft licensing.

Jason K. VP Product Engineering, Express Metrix

I feel much more confident for our upcoming EA renewal.

Lonneke H. Software Asset Management, Centric

Fantastic. I’m excited to share the knowledge with my team.

Lucy W. IT Asset Management Analyst, Kansas City Power & Light

This class underlined how little I actually know about Microsoft licensing.

Greg J. Sr. IT Manager, Ely Lilly

Super informative. All our questions were handled perfectly.

Jarret A. Computing Services Team Lead, Great-West Life Assurance Company

Worth every penny.

Eric L. IT Manager, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

Changed the way I will approach architecting new solutions.

Erik A. Financial Analyst, Lockheed Martin

Great information for our EA and loved the opportunity to network.

George B. Asset Management Analyst, Ledcor

The knowledge from Directions about Microsoft licensing is amazing.

Darin I. Software Asset Management Analyst, Conoco Phillips

Great class! Next time I’m bringing my colleagues.

Carol W. Compliance Administrator, Alliance One International

Wonderful way to learn how to maintain compliance without over-licensing.

Cheryl B. Technology Systems and Services, Legacy Health

Absolutely great information. I need to take this course on a regular basis.

Chris K. Director IT Projects, Hospital Sisters Health Systems

Completely changed the way I looked at negotiating. I put too much trust in our reseller.

Dana C. Sr. IT Asset Manager, MultiCare Health Systems

Made me realize how much I didn’t know.

Carol R. Sr. TAM Analyst, Travelport

An illuminating experience. I departed with a long list of to-do’s.

Adam L. IT Asset & Compliance Manager, Pacific Dental Services

Opened my eyes and provided crucial information for our EA Renewal.

Alain S. IT Asset Manager, ALLETE

Showed us how to fix compliance issues before we get audited.

Amy L. Product Manager, Logicalis Inc.

I never expected to walk away with so much knowledge.

Anne M. Software Licensing Manager, Bright House Networks

An answer to Microsoft licensing insanity.

Gregory D. Desktop Engineering Manager, Northwell Health

Helped me align our technical roadmap with our licensing strategy.

Steve H. IT Director, USAA

A must attend for everyone dealing with Microsoft licensing.

Viorel V. Corporate IT Manager, ATS Automation

This class is a Microsoft licensing game-changer.

Daniel B. Enterprise Applications Administrator, Express Employment Professionals

As I’m sure you’ve heard before: I had no idea.

Robert M. Information Technology Manager, City of Saskatoon

Highly enlightening and delivers invaluable information.

Marvin P. Director of IT, County of San Diego

The knowledge gained on Microsoft licensing justified the cost.

Mike Klein Chief Information Officer, BC Housing

3rd time at the Boot Camp and still learning new tricks. Must attend for licensing pros.

Paul H. Sr. Systems Analyst, Fisher Investments

Put us in a much better position to negotiate our EA.

Ravi C. Sr. IT Operations Manager, Dart

I only wish I attended before we started our talks with Microsoft.

Ray H. IT Director, Covenant Health

We were flying blind. Now I know what to do.

Jerry A. IT Infrastructure VP, GC Services, Ltd.

The presenters are true experts able to answer any questions we had.

John O. IT Director, Curtiss-Wright

Worth every penny — even after traveling from Australia.

Luke K. Operations Manager, CPA Australia

I am going to recommend this training whenever I can.

Mark B. Managing Director, CoreAzure

Packed with high-value information you won’t find anywhere else.

Geoffrey P. Corporate IT Manager, General Motors

Provided excellent advice and references on a complex subject.

Bruce H. VP Corporate IS, Bemis Manufacturing Company

The material covered, the questions answered, and group interaction significantly contributed to my readiness for our upcoming EA.

Eric S. Sr. Program Manager, NetApp

Provided more useful information in 3 days than MS has in the last 10 years.

Allan B. IT Manager, Aramark Corporation

Exceeded my high expectations.

Anders W. Enterprise Architect, Volvo

Filled with relevant examples of what to do and not to do.

Aaron A. VP Global Enterprise Applications, Citco

Well organized and thorough — exactly what we needed.

David H. IT Infrastructure Manager, Cherokee Nation Businesses