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Artwork for The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast

The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast

Directions on Microsoft
Microsoft
Azure
Microsoft Enterprise Agreements
Microsoft 365
Negotiation Phases
Dynamics 365
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
Microsoft Licensing
License Optimization
Negotiation Planning
Openai
Copilot
Software Assurance
Microsoft Teams
SWOT Analysis
Negotiation Strategies
Chatgpt
Licensing Strategies
Windows 365
Windows 11

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 Mic... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes61Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Technology

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Artwork for The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast

Latest Episodes

In this inaugural episode of the TSG podcast, Directions' Barry Briggs, along with industry analysts George Gilbert and Peter O'Kelly, discuss Microsoft's strategies in AI and beyond for 2026.

Microsoft's one-pointed AI focus may be clouding what your company really wants and needs. Directions analyst Jim Gaynor shares with Mary Jo Foley some ideas for fighting back.

Microsoft is bundling more separately priced features with Microsoft 365 SKUs, making the imminent inevitability of an E7 less likely. Directions analyst Wes Miller talks through the details and customer impact with Mary Jo Foley.

Directions on Microsoft's chief negotiator Dean Bedwell shares licensing and negotiation trends (along with a few tips) with Mary Jo Foley in our year-end wrap.

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Recent Guests

Tony Redmond
Lead author for the Office 365 for IT Pro's eBook and Principal of Redmond & Associates
Redmond & Associates
Episode: What's Happening with Microsoft Exchange?
Rob Helm
Managing Vice President at Directions
Directions on Microsoft
Episode: What's Happening with Microsoft Exchange?
Darryl Taft
News Editor with The New Stack, covering DevOps and software development tools
The New Stack
Episode: Is No-Code Really Dead?
David Berry
Newest Directions analyst specializing in SharePoint and Microsoft 365, with 25 years of experience as a solution architect.
Directions on Microsoft
Episode: Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat vs. OpenAI's ChatGPT: How to Choose
Andrew Snodgrass
Directions Analyst who analyzes and writes about Microsoft’s data management, business intelligence, ERP, and CRM software products.
Episode: The Growing Risks of Staying On-Premises
Mike Jones
Vice President of Product Development at US Cloud
US Cloud
Episode: Microsoft Support: You've Got More Options Than You Think
Wes Miller
Co-leader of Directions on Microsoft's licensing boot camps, analyst and writer on Azure Infrastructure Services.
Directions on Microsoft
Episode: Cutting Through Copilot Complexity
Michael Cherry
Directions Analyst focusing on Windows Client OS, Office Communication Services, and Corporate Governance.
Directions on Microsoft
Episode: Microsoft Customers: Your Security Strategy Needs an Overhaul, Too
Josh Trupin
Directions Analyst with extensive experience at Microsoft
Directions on Microsoft
Episode: More Microsoft End-of-Life Meteors Appear on the Horizon

Host

Mary Jo Foley
Editor-in-Chief at Directions on Microsoft and host of insightful discussions centered on Microsoft technologies, licensing policies, and enterprise challenges.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 18 ratings
  • Technical issues continue - episode restarts

    The technical issues continue. I would really like to listen to this but each one spontaneously restarts at various times. A little podcast export QC would go a long way. Otherwise great content and knowledgeable voices here.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Bsigrist
    United States2 years ago
  • Well worth a listen

    Learnt some very valuable information.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    @Harish2000
    Australia2 years ago
  • Good Stuff

    Always find out something I didn't know. Podcasts on Fabric and ChatGTP are outstanding.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Stoic's Porch
    United States3 years ago
  • Technical Issues?

    The podcast seems good and interesting, except the two episodes I’ve listed suddenly restart at the beginning at least once while playback continues.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Geoff 1212
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Expert analysis adds depth to topics related to Microsoft technologies.
Technical issues have been reported, hindering listening experiences at times.
Content is highly informative and valuable for those looking to optimize Microsoft use.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#217
Denmark/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#240
New Zealand/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Microsoft Ignoring Your Org's Needs? We Have Some Tips for That
Q: Is it realistic to say, okay, customers, you can just simply abstain?
Customers may not have to be a frontier firm, but they need diligence to manage their needs against Microsoft's AI push.
Microsoft Licensing and Negotiation: A Year in Review
Q: Is the enterprise agreement dead?
EAs are still signed, but Microsoft is pushing MCAs as the future agreement model.
Microsoft Licensing and Negotiation: A Year in Review
Q: What kind of companies are in the best position to negotiate and why?
Both large and small customers can negotiate with Microsoft, but factors like brand significance and usage of Microsoft's services matter.
Moving From EA to MCA? Watch Out for These Gotchas
Q: Do you think it's going to be more difficult for customers to get concessions on the MCA than it was with the EA?
Yes, it will likely be more difficult for customers to secure concessions on the MCA, particularly for smaller customers who may only work with Cloud Solution Providers who cannot offer flexible terms.
Moving From EA to MCA? Watch Out for These Gotchas
Q: What are some potential problems when moving from an EA to an MCA?
Potential problems include the lack of standard terms, no concept of price levels, and the removal of software assurance products and penalties for non-compliant licensing, which can lead to higher costs.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Highlighting the intersection of Microsoft technologies and enterprise needs, this resource focuses on strategic insights regarding Microsoft's evolving landscape, including licensing, software, and cloud solutions. Featuring expert analysts from Directions on Microsoft, discussions often tackle pressing issues like contract negotiations, data governance, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI. The analytical approach seeks to empower businesses by enhancing their understanding of Microsoft products and optimizing their usage, making it an indispensable listen for corporate decision-makers and those invested in technology.

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1. The Rest Is Politics: Leading
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3. Windows Weekly (Audio)
4. The Daily
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this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 61 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Tony Redmond
2. Rob Helm
3. Darryl Taft
4. David Berry
5. Andrew Snodgrass
6. Mike Jones
7. Wes Miller
8. Michael Cherry

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