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

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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

The information and training they offer are far superior to anything available from Microsoft or elsewhere.

Lamar J. IT Strategic Sourcing, Capital Group Companies

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

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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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

Application Platforms Roadmap

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Analyst Reports

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

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Identity Manager: SP3 Arrives – Support Still Ends in 2029 Updated: June 22, 2026 Updated: June 22, 2026 Microsoft Identity Manager is set for retirement in 2029, and no direct replacement is expected….more

Agent 365: Microsoft Attempts to Herd Your AI Agents Updated: June 20, 2026 Updated: June 20, 2026 Microsoft’s Agent 365 seeks to help organizations increase the manageability, security, and compliance of their…more

Microsoft 365 E7 Suite Available: It’s All About AI Updated: June 20, 2026 Updated: June 20, 2026 Microsoft 365 E7 arrived May 1, 2026, and is intended to help organizations extend and…more

Find and Secure Local AI Tools with Defender for Endpoint June 19, 2026 June 19, 2026 Local AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Claude Code on Windows offer powerful capabilities but…more

Strategies for Controlling Dynamics 365 Storage Costs June 17, 2026 June 17, 2026 Dynamics 365 storage growth is a predictable consequence of long-term system use, not an unusual…more

M365 Copilot Adds Choice (and Risk) with Anthropic’s Claude Updated: June 12, 2026 Updated: June 12, 2026 Microsoft has partnered with Anthropic, adding its Claude models to Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot. Claude’s…more

Deciphering Power Apps Licensing Updated: June 8, 2026 Updated: June 8, 2026 Update: The Power Apps Per App licensing option has been discontinued as of Jan. 2,…more

How to Choose Project Plan Subscriptions Updated: June 1, 2026 Updated: June 1, 2026 Customers with requirements beyond basic project management can select from Project Plan subscription tiers based…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

Too Big To Flail. Three Smart Guys: Season 1. Episode 5 Updated: June 11, 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 – 11 · Duration – 26m

What You Need to Know Before You Sign a Microsoft MEO New!

The Multiple Equivalent Offer is not the deal it may seem. Directions’ analyst Steve Kelley shares tips with Mary Jo Foley to help orgs make a MEO work more to their advantage.

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

Season – 5 · Episode – 8 · Duration – 21m

Microsoft 365 E7: Ready Or Not, Here It Comes

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.