Directions on Microsoft analyst Rob Sanfilippo talks with Mary Jo Foley about how the Directions’ twice-yearly Azure roadmap comes together. The two compare notes on the latest Azure trends and hot buttons. Plus, Rob takes the Azure codename challenge.
Directions analysts Michael Cherry, Jim Gaynor and Wes Miller dive into how subscriptions have transformed Microsoft’s business model and what it means for Microsoft customers, both now and in the future.
Directions analysts Barry Briggs and Andy Snodgrass talk with Mary Jo Foley about the hype and the reality surrounding database systems in this episode of the Directions podcast. Are organizations any closer to harnessing the power of data now than before? What works and what doesn’t when it comes to data-management strategies?
In this series, Rob Horwitz explains core concepts to help you navigate the complex world of Microsoft licensing. If you’re involved in contract negotiation, IT procurement, Software Asset Management, or selecting or deploying Microsoft products, this video series is designed for you. This episode in the Microsoft Licensing Basics series will cover: Units of Measure.
Rob Sanfilippo discusses the pieces of Power Platform including Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse, and Copilot Studio, including technical and licensing aspects.
April 17, 2025
Veteran Microsoft negotiator Joshua Osbourne guides you through the complexities of EA Negotiation Discovery and its importance to your Microsoft licensing negotiation outcomes. First, self-audit your current Microsoft software and services deployments, and then interview internal IT subject matter experts to determine the additional Microsoft software and services you need to purchase moving forward.
Veteran Microsoft negotiator [MLF1] Steve Kelley guides you through the EA Negotiation Analysis process and teaches you how to use information about your current Microsoft technology deployments and go-forward Microsoft technology requirements gathered in Discovery to determine your options and focus your attention when you engage with Microsoft in renewal negotiations.
Directions on Microsoft negotiation expert Dean Bedwell details the types of financial, legal, and business concessions Microsoft customers should ask for during an EA negotiation and the best way to ask for them.
Former Microsoft Deal Desk executive Dean Bedwell explains the negotiation levers you can use to optimize the outcome of your Microsoft EA renewal.
This introductory video answers the fundamental questions: What is Power BI, and why should you care? It’s the first of a series of 10 short videos designed to add clarity to your understanding of Microsoft’s flagship business intelligence platform. The follow-on videos explain key Power BI concepts and components, including Report Types, Back-end Platforms, Clients,…
In this short video, Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass explains the types of reports Power BI can host, including reports built with Power BI Desktop as well as legacy reports built with SQL Server and Excel. It’s a bigger deal than you might think.
Power BI Desktop is a free application for building Power BI reports and datasets. In this video, Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass explains the key Power BI Desktop tools: Data Modeling and Report Design Canvas. He goes on to explain why training your data engineers on Power BI Desktop is a smart investment.