The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast
Directions on Microsoft
With more than 30 years of experience covering Microsoft, Directions on Microsoft provides unique perspectives about the shifts in Microsoft technologies, roadmaps and licensing policies that matter most to enterprise-size companies. Twice each month industry veteran Mary Jo Foley interviews a different Directions analyst for informed insights and advice to help you derive full value from your Microsoft investments.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 15, 2025 • 35min
Cutting Through Copilot Complexity
As Microsoft commences its 'Wave 2' Copilot push, it's becoming more challenging than ever to find clear answers about features, pricing and licensing. Fortunately, Directions analyst Wes Miller and Mary Jo Foley have you covered with tips and resources to help with your evaluation of the growing family of Microsoft Copilots.
Jan 15, 2025 • 51min
Diving Into the Data: A Directions on Microsoft Brainstorm
When it comes to databases, Microsoft offers almost too many options for storing and analyzing all kinds of data. Directions analysts Barry Briggs, Rob Sanfilippo and Andrew Snodgrass talk with Mary Jo Foley about how customers can keep up with the growing set of Microsoft on-premises and cloud database offerings and figure out which solution best fits their particular needs.
Jan 15, 2025 • 35min
Stuck in a VMware Squeeze? You've Got Microsoft Options
Broadcom's purchase of VMware late last year has left many customers in the lurch. Microsoft is making a play for the disenfranchised. Directions analysts Jim Gaynor and Wes Miller provide guidance with host Mary Jo Foley to help you navigate the potential technology and licensing minefields.
Jan 15, 2025 • 37min
Like It Or Not, The New Outlook Is Coming Soon
Microsoft's new Outlook (and the on-premises Exchange Server SE release) are marching ahead. What do customers need to do now to prepare? Directions' Rob Helm, Jim Gaynor, and Mary Jo Foley share the very latest info and their insights on what's happening with these two key new products.
Jan 15, 2025 • 50min
Onboarding AI With ROI: A Directions on Microsoft Brainstorm
What should companies be doing to on-board AI in ways that generate a positive return on investment? Directions analysts Barry Briggs, Michael Cherry, and Rob Sanfilippo tackle some of the biggest AI-related compliance, legal, and implementation questions that we're getting from customers.
Jan 15, 2025 • 26min
Microsoft Customers: Your Security Strategy Needs an Overhaul, Too
After the U.S. Cyber Safety Board gave Microsoft a terrible report card, Microsoft reiterated its plans for a company-wide security overhaul. But what should its customers be doing? Directions analyst Michael Cherry and Mary Jo Foley offer guidance on steps organizations should take in light of Microsoft's recent security missteps.
Jan 15, 2025 • 31min
Bootcamp and Build Debrief
Directions on Microsoft's latest licensing bootcamp AND Microsoft's Build 2024 developer conference? analyst Wes Miller and Mary Jo Foley have you covered. We talk about the highs, lows and lessons learned from both events.
Jan 15, 2025 • 20min
Understanding Microsoft's Edge-Computing Strategy
Microsoft's edge-computing strategy has been shifting in some subtle and not-so-subtle ways. In the evolving AI era, edge computing will become even more central for customers, partners and Microsoft itself. Directions analyst Barry Briggs and Mary Jo Foley dissect Microsoft's evolving edge-computing plans and tactics in this episode.
Jan 15, 2025 • 31min
More Microsoft End-of-Life Meteors Appear on the Horizon
There's a new wave of end-of-life Microsoft product meteors coming for your organization. Directions on Microsoft analyst Joshua Trupin talks with Mary Jo Foley about what to watch out for in 2025 and beyond, including new, pricey, Pay As You Go options -- and how customers can try to blunt the impact.
Jan 15, 2025 • 30min
Windows Server 2025: What you need to know
Windows Server is back! Directions on Microsoft analyst Jim Gaynor and Mary Jo Foley delve into the new features and capabilities coming with Windows Server 2025 worth knowing about, including new Active Directory and security features, GPU partitioning for Hyper-V, hotpatching – and the Azure services you need to use them.
