The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast

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SQL Server 2025 to Deliver AI Features and Lots More Jun 26, 2025

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Microsoft is set to release this fall SQL Server 2025, its first new version of its flagship database in three years. Special guest, Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Andrew Brust and Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass detail the AI, performance and other top SQL Server 2025 features in this episode with Mary Jo Foley.

Microsoft Security Copilot: What You Need to Know Jun 10, 2025

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Microsoft made Security Copilot generally available just over a year ago. Special guest Microsoft MVP Ru Campbell and Directions analyst Wes Miller talk with Mary Jo Foley about the ways this marquee copilot is evolving, in terms of packaging, pricing and licensing — and what customers interested in it should and shouldn't be doing.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat vs. OpenAI's ChatGPT: How to Choose May 29, 2025

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So many AI chat products; so little time. Directions on Microsoft's newest analyst David Berry shares his insights with Mary Jo Foley on how enterprise customers should evaluate Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat vs. ChatGPT (and Microsoft 365 Copilot itself).

What's Going on With Windows May 21, 2025

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With less than six months left until Windows 10 is no longer supported by Microsoft, Windows users have a lot of uncertainties and a rapidly evolving landscape to navigate. Directions analyst Wes Miller and Mary Jo Foley talk about what -- and what not -- to expect in the coming months.

Microsoft: A Look Back From Inside May 01, 2025

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This year marks Microsoft's 50th anniversary and several of the Directions analysts were part of the company's history. Barry Briggs, Michael Cherry, and Rob Sanfilippo share some ringside-seat insights with Mary Jo Foley from their years working across different teams and times at Microsoft.

Understanding Microsoft's AI Strategy Mar 28, 2025

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Microsoft's repositioning of itself as an AI company has major implications for customers in terms of how you plan, buy, license and manage Microsoft products. Directions analyst Barry Briggs discusses with Mary Jo Foley what enterprises really need to know about Microsoft's AI strategy.

The Growing Risks of Staying On-Premises Mar 14, 2025

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While some customers just cannot let go of their on-premises Microsoft products -- for legitimate and not-so-valid reasons -- the risks of running software on-prem are growing. Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass talks with Mary Jo Foley about on-premises realities and provides some recommendations.

The New Face of Shadow IT: A Directions on Microsoft Brainstorm Mar 12, 2025

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Whether you appreciate it, tolerate it, or want to stamp it out, Shadow IT is not going anywhere. Is this necessarily a bad thing? Directions analysts Barry Briggs, Greg DeMichillie and Rob Sanfilippo share with Mary Jo Foley their ideas for managing and channeling Shadow IT in this roundtable discussion.

How to Save Money with Azure Reservations Mar 12, 2025

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Azure Reservations is one of the best ways enterprises can save money on their Microsoft contracts. But, as Directions' Wes Miller explains to Mary Jo Foley, you need to know the gotchas before you jump in.

Microsoft Support: You've Got More Options Than You Think Feb 13, 2025

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Microsoft's Unified Support plan is not beloved by many enterprises. US Cloud VP Mike Jones provides the latest on the plan, plus some support tips and tricks in this conversation with Directions' Mary Jo Foley.

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