Directions Atlas Membership

Independent Microsoft insight you can trust. Direct access to analyst reports, roadmaps, and licensing guides. Everything you need to evaluate options and decide with confidence.

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.

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

Our Directions partnership is one of the most useful we’ve ever had.

Catherine C. CIO, Air Products and Chemicals

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Thousands of Expert Reports
Accurate Product Roadmaps
Licensing Reference Sets
Webinars, Podcasts and more
Curated Kits & Collections

Roadmaps

See what’s coming and what’s changing. Accurate, updated Microsoft roadmaps covering dependencies, support timelines, and upcoming releases in one place.

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Application Platforms Roadmap

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Business Applications Roadmap

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Security, Compliance, Identity, and Management Roadmap

Desktop and Client Roadmap

Database, Analytics, and AI/ML Roadmap

Compute, Networking, and Infrastructure Roadmap

Analyst Reports

Insight without spin. Clear, fact-based analysis that cuts through Microsoft noise so you can act with certainty.

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Windows Server Licensing Scenarios Updated: August 23, 2026 Updated: August 23, 2026 The reasons for choosing one edition of Windows Server over another have fundamentally changed over…more

Should Your Organization Buy Agent 365? August 21, 2026 August 21, 2026 Agent 365 brings substantial governance, security, and identity capabilities to agent deployments, but certain organizations…more

Disconnected Operations for Azure Local: More Local, Less Azure Updated: August 20, 2026 Updated: August 20, 2026 Disconnected operations for Azure Local allows customers to deploy Azure Local clusters without a connection…more

Defender for Endpoint on Windows Receives New Deployment Tool August 18, 2026 August 18, 2026 A new deployment tool for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint should help organizations standardize on a…more

Avoid Overspending on GitHub Copilot With Governance and Training August 16, 2026 August 16, 2026 GitHub Copilot was originally licensed only by a fixed-cost Per-User license, but it now also…more

Fabric IQ: The Long Road to Smarter Data August 10, 2026 August 10, 2026 Fabric IQ enhances OneLake data with additional business context to help AI, agents, and other…more

Most Azure Reservation Exchanges End in 2027 August 7, 2026 August 7, 2026 Most key Azure reservations purchased after Feb. 2027 can no longer be exchanged once purchased….more

Cut Service Consumption Costs with Pre-Purchase Plans August 7, 2026 August 7, 2026 There are now four Pre-Purchase Plans that provide savings over PAYG on consumption-based services, such…more Get Access to Over 6,600 Reports Atlas Membership

Infographics

Microsoft topics made simple. Visual explanations of licensing, products, and comparisons designed for fast understanding and easy sharing.

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Licensing & Reference

Avoid surprises. Reduce risk. Always-current Microsoft licensing guidance covering options, pricing, strategy shifts, and what is changing next.

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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

Go deep fast. Curated bundles of reports, roadmaps, and licensing guidance for high-impact Microsoft topics like AI, Azure, and Copilot.

Understanding Azure Governance

by
Rob Sanfilippo

Migrating Compute Workloads to Azure VMs

by
Rob Sanfilippo

Webinars & Videos

Expert Microsoft insight on demand. Short, focused videos and webinars covering the changes that affect enterprise decisions.

Microsoft Roadmap Update, Dec. 2025 December 10, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am PT Watch

Directions Atlas. What’s New? July 2026 Updated: August 6, 2026

Podcasts

Perspective you will not find elsewhere. Independent commentary on Microsoft technology, roadmaps, and licensing from analysts with 30+ years of experience.

Season – 5 · Episode – 12 · Duration – 30m

Microsoft’s FY27: What Enterprises Need to Know

Microsoft has established some high enterprise pricing and licensing hurdles going into its FY27. Directions’ Advisory Services Director Lane Shelton talks with Mary Jo Foley about the obstacles and potential opportunities.

Season – 5 · Episode – 11 · Duration – 26m

What You Need to Know Before You Sign a Microsoft MEO

Season – 1 · Episode – 5 · Duration – 45m

Three Smart Guys: Too Big to Flail?

Season – 5 · Episode – 10 · Duration – 27m

Microsoft’s Evolving AI Strategy: New Clues from Build

Season – 5 · Episode – 9 · Duration – 21m

Tips for Dealing with Azure Consumption Constraints and Hidden M365 Costs

Blogs

What matters explained clearly. Analyst-written articles curated by Editor in Chief Mary Jo Foley, focused on the Microsoft developments enterprises need to understand.