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.

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

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

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

If your organization relies on Microsoft for critical IT infrastructure, Directions will give you a holistic, integrated, and undistracted view of Microsoft’s portfolio, strategy, and product direction.

Alan D. IT Director, General Mills

Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting. Sign up today.

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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

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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Intune Premium License Tiers Still Not Worth It Updated: July 3, 2025 Updated: July 3, 2025 Two premium Intune tiers are now available, along with multiple à la carte features. Intune…more

New! Begin Move to Exchange Server SE to Keep Support July 3, 2025 July 3, 2025 Organizations running Exchange in their own data centers must migrate quickly to Exchange Server SE. …more

Emerging Protocols Could Standardize AI Integration Updated: July 1, 2025 Updated: July 1, 2025 Model Context Protocol and Agent2Agent are emerging protocols for integrating AI-based agents, while NLWeb simplifies…more

Azure SQL Edge to Retire in Sept 2025; Limited Migration Options June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 Azure SQL Edge, a special edition of SQL Server for low-powered devices and edge servers…more

Databricks Gets More Azure-Entrenched with Extended Partnership June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 Microsoft and Databricks have extended their strategic partnership and announced more Azure integrations. The extension…more

Viva Packaging for Microsoft 365 Users June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 The most commonly used end-user features of Viva are built into Microsoft 365 licenses. Customers…more

Azure NetApp Files NAS Service Targets Large-Scale Use Updated: June 28, 2025 Updated: June 28, 2025 The new Azure NetApp Flexible Tier could help with large-scale lift-and-shift scenarios. Throughput is priced…more

Migrating from VMware? Look Before You Leap Updated: June 28, 2025 Updated: June 28, 2025 Microsoft has several alternatives to VMware for on-premises server virtualization. Hyper-V is mature and runs…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.

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

Building and Licensing Copilot Agents August 27, 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 – 11 · Duration – 36m

SQL Server 2025 to Deliver AI Features and Lots More

Microsoft is set to release this fall SQL Server 2025, its first new version of its flagship database in three years. Special guest, Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Andrew Brust and Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass detail the AI, performance and other top SQL Server 2025 features in this episode with Mary Jo Foley.

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

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

What’s Going on With Windows

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

Microsoft: A Look Back From Inside

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.