Latest Videos

November 15, 2024 Directions Podcast. Season 3. Episode 1. A Deep Dive into All Things Data.

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?

May 15, 2024 Microsoft EA Negotiation – Levers

Former Microsoft Deal Desk executive Dean Bedwell explains the negotiation levers you can use to optimize the outcome of your Microsoft EA renewal.

May 1, 2024 Microsoft EA Negotiation – Discounts & Concessions

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.

February 14, 2024 Microsoft EA Negotiation – Project Management

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.

February 14, 2024 Microsoft EA Negotiation – Strategies

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.

February 14, 2024 Microsoft EA Negotiation – Analysis

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.

February 14, 2024 Microsoft EA Negotiation – Discovery

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.

May 18, 2023 Power BI Datamarts

Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass explains Power BI Datamarts, an Azure SQL Database controlled by Power BI that reduces the complexity of traditional data marts. Watch this video to understand the strategic significance of Power BI Datamarts in less than four minutes.

May 17, 2023 Power BI Dataflows

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.

March 31, 2023 Power BI Report Server

In this video, Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass discusses your two hosting options for Power BI reports: on-premises hosting or hybrid hosting with on-premises connected to the cloud. He explains the advantages and disadvantages of each and provides valuable advice on how to choose between them.

February 7, 2023 Power BI Clients

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. 

December 15, 2022 Power BI Desktop

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.