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

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

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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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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Desktop and Client Roadmap

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

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 to Apply Azure Reservations and Savings Plans Effectively January 10, 2026 January 10, 2026 Azure compute is typically the single largest cost category of resources that an organization will…more

Viva Packaging for Microsoft 365 Users Updated: January 6, 2026 Updated: January 6, 2026 The most commonly used end-user features of Viva are built into Microsoft 365 licenses. Customers…more

Executive Focus: Valuing M365 Copilot January 6, 2026 January 6, 2026 Assessing the ROI of M365 Copilot is difficult; but AI could soon be like e-mail—a…more

SQL Server 2016/2017 Migration Strategy: Risks and Opportunities January 5, 2026 January 5, 2026 SQL Server 2016 and 2017 are leaving Extended support (in July 2026 and Oct. 2027,…more

Do Multiple Microsoft 365 Tenancies Make Sense? Updated: January 2, 2026 Updated: January 2, 2026 When customers provision Microsoft 365, they generally deploy a single tenancy for their entire organization….more

Free SQL Server Developer Edition Is Mostly for Demos Updated: January 2, 2026 Updated: January 2, 2026 SQL Server Developer edition is free for development and test use. Because the product requires…more

Intune Premium License Tiers Still Not Worth It Updated: December 23, 2025 Updated: December 23, 2025 Two premium Intune tiers are now available, along with multiple à la carte features. Intune…more

Intune Suite Features Added to Microsoft 365 E5, E3 Ahead of 2026 Price Increases Updated: December 23, 2025 Updated: December 23, 2025 The features of Intune Suite and Intune Plan 2 are being split across—and bundled into—Microsoft…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

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.

Microsoft Roadmap Update, Dec. 2025 December 10, 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 – 5 · Episode – 1 · Duration – 17m

What Microsoft’s Recent M365 Bundling Moves Mean for You

Microsoft is bundling more separately priced features with Microsoft 365 SKUs, making the imminent inevitability of an E7 less likely. Directions analyst Wes Miller talks through the details and customer impact with Mary Jo Foley.

Season – 4 · Episode – 21 · Duration – 20m

Microsoft Licensing and Negotiation: A Year in Review

Season – 4 · Episode – 20 · Duration – 22m

Moving From EA to MCA? Watch Out for These Gotchas

Season – 4 · Episode – 19 · Duration – 22m

Is Cloud Computing Becoming a Commodity?

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

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

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.