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.

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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.

What Directions provides for Microsoft-centric professionals is utterly unique.

Lane S. VP of Business Development, SHI

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

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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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Windows 11 Platform for Local AI December 8, 2025 December 8, 2025 Windows 11 offers a built-in platform for local AI applications. Compared to cloud AI, local…more

Security Copilot: Expanding and Expensive Updated: December 7, 2025 Updated: December 7, 2025 Security Copilot can help admins using Microsoft 365 management tools to perform security-related tasks faster….more

How Microsoft’s New Agent Pricing Option Affects Costs Updated: December 5, 2025 Updated: December 5, 2025 A new upfront purchasing option for agents provides discounts over pay-as-you-go billing. The new option…more

Azure Local: Vision Still Ahead of the Product December 5, 2025 December 5, 2025 Azure Local (formerly known as Azure Stack HCI) is Microsoft’s primary server host OS for…more

Understanding Pay as You Go Billing for M365 Copilot “Lite” Agents December 4, 2025 December 4, 2025 Pay as you go (PAYG) billing for M365 Copilot services, which include M365 Copilot Chat…more

Copilot+ PC: Check for Applications Updated: December 1, 2025 Updated: December 1, 2025 Copilot+ PCs deliver specialized hardware to speed local up AI models. Several Windows AI features…more

Goodbye SQL Server Reporting Services and Hello Power BI Report Server December 1, 2025 December 1, 2025 SQL Server 2025 (released in Nov. 2025) will not include Reporting Services (SSRS), its long-standing reporting…more

The Microsoftification of GitHub Updated: November 30, 2025 Updated: November 30, 2025 Microsoft organizational changes suggest that GitHub will receive more direct Microsoft control and oversight. 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.

Understanding Azure Governance

by
Rob Sanfilippo

Migrating Compute Workloads to Azure VMs

Artificial Intelligence

by
Rob Sanfilippo

Microsoft Copilots: An Overall View

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 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 – 19 · Duration – 22m

Is Cloud Computing Becoming a Commodity? New!

As similar AI strategies and non-exclusive partnerships proliferate, are there still reasons to choose Azure over AWS (or vice versa)? Duckbill’s Corey Quinn joins Directions’ Wes Miller and Mary Jo Foley to debate the topic.

Season – 4 · Episode – 18 · Duration – 22m

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

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

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.