The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast Azure Local: What's New, What's Next
Feb 13, 2025
Greg DeMichillie, a data and infrastructure analyst at Directions on Microsoft, shares his insights on Azure Local, a hybrid solution that straddles the line between cloud and on-prem technology. He discusses the evolution of Microsoft's relationship with customers, highlighting significant shifts over the years. The conversation dives into the complexities of Azure Local, including integration challenges compared to competitors like AWS and Oracle. Greg also emphasizes innovative licensing strategies and the importance of historical data for businesses looking to leverage this technology.
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Career Shift Shapes Perspective
- Greg DeMichillie described his career shift from developer tools to infrastructure and data, including work at Microsoft and Google.
- He framed Google as applying infrastructure to extract value from data, which shaped his focus on infrastructure and data.
Modern IT Is Multivariable
- Enterprise IT is far more heterogeneous today than in the 2000s, with multi-cloud, Macs, Linux, and mobile devices everywhere.
- That complexity means IT teams now juggle cloud, containers, AI, mobile, and data initiatives all at once.
Don't Bank On Licensing Loopholes
- Microsoft still uses licensing creatively to capture revenue and will close perceived loopholes over time.
- Customers should not build business plans assuming long-term licensing gaps will persist.