Directions on Microsoft

Microsoft Readies New Security Copilot Agents https://lnkd.in/g2ArxUTJ Microsoft is pitching agents as the next step in the evolution of its Security Copilot and has five agents lined up for preview in April.

Master Microsoft Licensing with Expert Insights Are you ready to master the complexities of Microsoft licensing? Join our licensing boot camp tailored for technology and licensing specialists. Learn from independent experts who will not only teach you the rules but also empower you to negotiate better terms and pricing for your next Microsoft Contract. Who Should Attend: > Software Procurement Professionals & IT Asset Managers. Gain deep understanding of licensing models, agreements, and cost optimization strategies. > Solution & Enterprise Architects. Design cloud-ready architectures with Microsoft licensing considerations in mind. > Server & Cloud Infrastructure Managers. Navigate complexities of Microsoft licensing for on-premises and cloud deployments. > Desktop Managers. Understand your M365 options, how to choose, and ensure consistent licensing across your endpoint environment. > IT Security Managers. Get clarity about licensing for Microsoft client-side and server-side security products and cloud services. > Contract Negotiation Specialists. Learn proven strategies and tactics and secure favorable terms for your next Microsoft EA renewal. Next In-Person Boot Camp: Atlanta, GA | Apr 22-24, 2025 Don't miss out—Register Today! https://lnkd.in/g26Qj86Q

The Growing Risks of Staying On-Premises https://lnkd.in/gk94c68q 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, as Directions analyst Andrew Snodgrass discusses with Mary Jo Foley.

A wave of support retirements will force customers to migrate systems running any version of Exchange Server or Skype for Business to new software or the cloud by Oct. 2025. Customers already on Exchange Online and Teams also need to plan for disruptive changes. Rob? Helm and Jim Gaynor will explain the technology roadmap for Exchange Server, Skype for Business, and related software and services, including: > Why running retired versions is not an option > Options for replacing the retired versions > How Exchange Online and Office are affected Register to join Rob and Jim in this webinar: https://lnkd.in/eDHdfUcM March 20, 2025 1PM ET | 10AM PT

Loop is a new collaboration tool automatically turned on in Microsoft 365. Microsoft is betting heavily on its success. What should you know and how should you prepare? Our report gives you insight into where Loop is heading, including: * Administration and governance. * Integration with Teams, Microsoft 365 apps, and Copilots. * Personal workspaces for those who’d rather work alone. You’ll also learn about the risks and costs that come with Loop . . . and how to protect yourself. Get your free copy of the report: https://lnkd.in/dtz86Vbj

Microsoft to drop its Skype communications service in May 2025 https://lnkd.in/g37Dt4Jn Microsoft is advising customers to replace its Skype consumer communications service with the consumer-focused Teams Free. But some customers may prefer to go elsewhere for their replacement.

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How to Save Money with Azure Reservations https://lnkd.in/g5ykGGgz 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’s AI Strategy: Clever, Visionary… and Risky? https://lnkd.in/gux8KtKT In this video, Barry Briggs synthesizes Microsoft’s messaging, interprets their direction, and explores what it all means for the future. Walking through their strategy from top to bottom, he provides insights and analysis, accompanied by brief demos to illustrate key points.

Exchange Server: An Even Tighter SE Squeeze https://lnkd.in/gqySePSQ Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 customers knew they had to upgrade fast to stay supported. Now they have even less time.