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,…
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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.
Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass describes Power BI Clients as tools and methods for accessing Power BI reports. Watch this video to understand your Power BI Client options and the advantages and drawbacks of each.
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Power BI Dataflows are a method for sharing query logic for others to use. In this video, Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass explains the fundamentals of Power BI Dataflows and the specific scenarios they support.
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Former Microsoft Deal Desk executive and current head of Directions advisory services Dean Bedwell shares insights gained over decades negotiating against—and more recently on behalf of—Microsoft’s largest enterprise customers, including proven strategies and tactics for optimizing your EA renewal. He also discusses common negotiation pitfalls you should avoid.
All versions of Exchange Server and Skype for Business leave support in Oct. 2025, and Microsoft’s plans for “subscription editions” leave a small window for customers to upgrade and stay supported. Will you be ready? Rob Helm and Jim Gaynor explain Microsoft’s plans, discuss your options, and take your questions.
March 20, 2025 Available to All
Microsoft negotiation expert Gus Volpe describes the four phases of successful EA negotiations and how to structure your project plan to optimize the results of your EA renewal.
A “mass extinction” of client software and services leaving support in 2025-2026 will trigger many migrations to new Windows and Office versions. Michael Cherry and Rob Helm explain and take questions on migration and deployment options.
January 23, 2025