The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Uncovering the Hidden Costs of M365 Copilot Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Cowork consumption costs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to rapidly expanding M365 Copilot costs. Directions analyst David Berry lays out the potential gotchas in this episode with Mary Jo Foley.

How and Why We Built an AI Assistant Sep 10, 2026

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Directions on Microsoft built its own AI Assistant to help with Microsoft technology and licensing queries. Analysts Barry Briggs and Andrew Snodgrass share experiences and lessons learned with Mary Jo Foley.

How the Changing Cyber Landscape Affects Your Org Aug 27, 2026

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The cybersecurity landscape is changing rapidly thanks to AI and other shifting dynamics. Directions on Microsoft Advisor Kathryn Mihalich shares her tips with Mary Jo Foley on what executives need to know to make the best technology and licensing decisions.

Microsoft's FY27: What Enterprises Need to Know Jul 09, 2026

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Microsoft has established some high enterprise pricing and licensing hurdles going into its FY27. Directions' Advisory Services Director Lane Shelton talks with Mary Jo Foley about the obstacles and potential opportunities.

What You Need to Know Before You Sign a Microsoft MEO Jun 25, 2026

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The Multiple Equivalent Offer is not the deal it may seem. Directions' analyst Steve Kelley shares tips with Mary Jo Foley to help orgs make a MEO work more to their advantage.

Microsoft's Evolving AI Strategy: New Clues from Build Jun 11, 2026

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Directions analyst David Berry sifts through the AI strategy announcements from Microsoft Build and discusses with Mary Jo Foley the potential impact on enterprises customers.

Three Smart Guys: Too Big to Flail? Jun 11, 2026

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Directions' Barry Briggs and industry analysts George Gilbert and Peter O'Kelly outline the implications of a new computing architecture anchored by an intelligent client.

Tips for Dealing with Azure Consumption Constraints and Hidden M365 Costs May 21, 2026

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Are you being hit with Azure consumption constraints and/or skyrocketing M365 costs in your Azure bill? Directions' Advisory Services Director Lane Shelton shares with Mary Jo Foley his tips and advice on how to handle these issues.

Microsoft 365 E7: Ready Or Not, Here It Comes Apr 23, 2026

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Microsoft is launching E7 and Agent 365 on May 1. Directions' Advisory Services Director Lane Shelton shares with Mary Jo Foley the latest on what customers should know before they dive in.

Three Smart Guys: Can AI Save Collaboration Software? Apr 15, 2026

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After decades of incremental change, collaboration software is at an inflection point, and AI could have a big influence on where it goes next, as the 'Three Smart Guys' team discusses.