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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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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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

Azure Files Removes a Big Blocker to Cloud Migration May 28, 2026 May 28, 2026 Azure Files now offers native Entra ID user authentication. It removes the infrastructure tax of…more

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 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 – 1 · Episode – 5 · Duration – 45m

Three Smart Guys: Too Big to Flail?

Directions’ Barry Briggs and industry analysts George Gilbert and Peter O’Kelly outline the implications of a new computing architecture anchored by an intelligent client.

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

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

Three Smart Guys: Can AI Save Collaboration Software?

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.