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.

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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.

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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

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

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Chris A. Desktop Technology Services Manager, Portland General Electric

Directions repeatedly proves its value with the right information to accelerate decisions and reduce costs.

Shaun B. Enterprise Architect, BP International

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Christ V. G. Product Group Manager, IVENT

Helps my team navigate Microsoft complexities and find the information needed for better decisions.

Tom H. Director Cloud Solutions, Tangent

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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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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Intune Suite Features Added to Microsoft 365 E5, E3 Ahead of 2026 Price Increases Updated: July 16, 2026 Updated: July 16, 2026 The features of Intune Suite and Intune Plan 2 are being split across—and bundled into—Microsoft…more

DLP Cut from Defender for Cloud Apps – Customers Must Move to Purview DLP July 16, 2026 July 16, 2026 Microsoft is retiring a range of data loss prevention features available in Microsoft Defender for…more

Agent 365: What’s There, What’s Missing July 16, 2026 July 16, 2026 Agent 365 provides a unified platform for AI agent governance, identity management, and security oversight….more

Security Copilot: Expanding and Expensive Updated: July 15, 2026 Updated: July 15, 2026 Security Copilot can help admins using Microsoft 365 management tools to perform security-related tasks faster….more

AI Drives Enterprise Integration July 10, 2026 July 10, 2026 To maximize return on AI, organizations need to build new business processes that combine AI…more

Disconnected Operations for Azure Local: More Local, Less Azure July 4, 2026 July 4, 2026 Disconnected operations for Azure Local allows customers to deploy Azure Local clusters without a connection…more

Restricted SharePoint Search Limits Copilot Results Updated: July 1, 2026 Updated: July 1, 2026 Update: Restricted SharePoint Search (RSS) in SharePoint Online will retire by Jan. 31, 2027, and…more

Azure SQL Database DTUs: There’s a Better Way July 1, 2026 July 1, 2026 The Azure SQL Database DTU model bundles compute, memory, and storage that are easy to…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

Microsoft’s Fiscal 2027: What Enterprises Need to Know. Season 5. Episode 12. Updated: July 9, 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.