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

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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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Database, Analytics, and AI/ML Roadmap

Compute, Networking, and Infrastructure Roadmap

Application Platforms Roadmap

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Business Applications Roadmap

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Security, Compliance, and Identity Management Roadmap

Desktop and Client 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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New! How Microsoft’s New Agent Pricing Option Affects Costs Updated: November 9, 2025 Updated: November 9, 2025 A new upfront purchasing option for agents provides discounts over pay-as-you-go billing. The new option…more

AI Comes to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition November 4, 2025 November 4, 2025 Document Intelligence, a new feature for summarizing files in SharePoint Server SE, uses Azure OpenAI….more

Azure SQL Managed Instance’s New Authentication Option to Help with Migrations November 3, 2025 November 3, 2025 SQL Managed Instance adds support for native Windows logins, removing the last barrier to migrating…more

Defender for Identity Improves Delegation with Scoped Access October 31, 2025 October 31, 2025 Scoped access, a new Defender feature, offers the ability to constrain which Active Directory domains…more

Entra ID Protects Key Identities with Restricted Management October 31, 2025 October 31, 2025 Restricted management administrative units can help organizations improve security and compliance while enhancing logging and auditing. Organizations…more

SharePoint Knowledge Agent: A Boon for Content Management (with Caveats) October 28, 2025 October 28, 2025 Knowledge Agent can simplify the challenges of maintaining SharePoint Online document libraries and Web content….more

Demystifying Microsoft’s Copilots Updated: October 27, 2025 Updated: October 27, 2025 Copilot-branded technologies from Microsoft assist users in completing tasks, but Microsoft overstates ROI. Almost all…more

SQL Server Management Studio Update Will Integrate GitHub Copilot Updated: October 23, 2025 Updated: October 23, 2025 A new version of SQL Server Management Studio brings the most significant updates to the…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.

Power BI and Fabric Roadmap: What did I miss and will it help? November 12, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am PT Details Request Access

Microsoft Roadmap Update, Dec. 2025 December 10, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am PT Details Request Access

Microsoft Compliance Update 2025 September 24, 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 – 18 · Duration – 22m

Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates: What You Need to Know

Cost isn’t the only consideration when it comes to deploying ESUs. Directions on Microsoft analysts Jim Gaynor and Rob Helm share guidance on migration, negotiation, and governance and other implications of ESUs with Mary Jo Foley.

Season – 4 · Episode – 17 · Duration – 47m

What’s Happening with Microsoft Exchange?

Season – 4 · Episode – 16 · Duration – 22m

Microsoft Contract Negotiation: Escalation Dos and Don’ts

Season – 4 · Episode – 15 · Duration – 31m

Enterprise Copilot Adoption: Lessons from the Field

Season – 4 · Episode – 14 · Duration – 19m

Get Ready for Microsoft’s Coming Licensing Changes

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.