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.

Delivers critical information about Microsoft technologies, roadmaps, and licensing I wish my team could mine on their own.

Jeff G.

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

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

We’re making Microsoft decisions much faster with this tool.

David C. Board Member, Southern Australia Government IT Council

Awesome service. Awesome information.

Daniel B. Director of Client Services, NPI Financial

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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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Foundry IQ: Know Your Risks May 21, 2026 May 21, 2026 Foundry IQ addresses the challenge of harnessing fragmented, inconsistent, and ungoverned enterprise data so that…more

Four Ways to Pay for Copilot Studio Agents: Which to Use? Updated: May 18, 2026 Updated: May 18, 2026 Copilot Studio agent pricing is consumption-based in many cases, and it depends on the type…more

Enhancements Could Break Down Agent Adoption Barriers Updated: May 15, 2026 Updated: May 15, 2026 Copilot Studio continues to receive frequent significant updates. The latest round arrived in Nov. 2025,…more

Windows 365 for Agents: Cloud PCs for AI Automation May 15, 2026 May 15, 2026 Customers can use the Windows 365 for Agents service to set up virtual desktops for…more

Need to Know: Terms and Concepts for Understanding Microsoft VDI Updated: May 11, 2026 Updated: May 11, 2026 Newer offerings like AVD and Windows 365 introduce capabilities that require updated terminology to describe…more

Dynamics 365 MCP Servers Show Strategic Development Shift May 11, 2026 May 11, 2026 Dynamics 365 Model Context Protocol servers are a new development option that provides standardized access…more

Understanding Microsoft Agent Technology: Start Here May 10, 2026 May 10, 2026 Customers must understand what agents are, their benefits, costs, risks, development options, and other aspects….more

EA to MCA and CSP: Costs and Risks May 8, 2026 May 8, 2026 Midsize customers are being forced out of Enterprise Agreements and steered toward Microsoft Customer Agreements…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? May 1 – 16 Updated: May 18, 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 – 9 · Duration – 21m

Tips for Dealing with Azure Consumption Constraints and Hidden M365 Costs

Are you being hit with Azure consumption constraints and/or skyrocketing M365 costs in your Azure bill? Directions’ Advisory Services Director Lane Shelton shares with Mary Jo Foley his tips and advice on how to handle these issues.

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

Microsoft 365 E7: Ready Or Not, Here It Comes

Season – 1 · Episode – 4 · Duration – 34m

Three Smart Guys: Can AI Save Collaboration Software?

Season – 5 · Episode – 7 · Duration – 23m

Thinking Realistically About Digital Sovereignty

Season – 5 · Episode – 6 · Duration – 28m

Tips and Tricks For Your Next EA Renewal

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.