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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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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Business Applications 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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Windows Quick Machine Recovery Could Alleviate Future CrowdStrike-Style Outages Updated: April 16, 2026 Updated: April 16, 2026 Windows Quick Machine Recovery could help customers restore unbootable Windows 11 PCs, as after the…more

SharePoint’s New UI Is All About AI April 15, 2026 April 15, 2026 SharePoint Online’s UI change, which will be mandatory by May 2026, reorganizes how employees work…more

Azure Lockbox Helps Customers Control Data Access by Microsoft April 13, 2026 April 13, 2026 Customer Lockbox for Azure (formally Customer Lockbox for Microsoft Azure) is a free feature that…more

Microsoft 365 Education: Differs from Enterprise by Degrees Updated: April 12, 2026 Updated: April 12, 2026 Microsoft 365 Education offers most of the features included in commercial enterprise Microsoft 365 offerings, with…more

Microsoft 365 Government: What’s in the Box? Updated: April 12, 2026 Updated: April 12, 2026 Microsoft 365 Government offers U.S. governmental organizations more regulatory compliance capabilities than Microsoft 365 commercial…more

Azure: Know Reservations Updated: April 10, 2026 Updated: April 10, 2026 Azure reservations allow customers to reduce Azure costs in exchange for a one- or three-year…more

How to Apply Azure Reservations and Savings Plans Effectively to Compute Workloads Updated: April 10, 2026 Updated: April 10, 2026 Azure compute is typically the single largest cost category of resources that an organization will…more

Choosing Among Microsoft’s Many Copilot and Agent Reporting Tools April 7, 2026 April 7, 2026 Several tools provide reporting, analytics, and insights into Microsoft 365 Copilot and agent usage within…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

Can AI Save Collaboration Software? Three Smart Guys: Season 1. Episode 4 Updated: April 16, 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 – 4 · Duration – 34m

Three Smart Guys: Can AI Save Collaboration Software?

After decades of incremental change, collaboration software is at an inflection point, and AI could have a big influence on where it goes next, as the ‘Three Smart Guys’ team discusses.

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

Season – 1 · Episode – 3 · Duration – 34m

Three Smart Guys: Is Office Dead?

Season – 5 · Episode – 5 · Duration – 25m

What We Know (and Don’t) About M365 E7

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.