Directions on Microsoft
@directionsonmicrosoft.com
Independent IT planning and EA negotiation service focused exclusively on Microsoft since 1992.
Microsoft is expected to take the next step toward its promise of agents becoming digital workers with its 'Agent 365' platform: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/microsofts-a... #MSTech #MSLicensing
Microsoft's Agent 365 digital 'employees' are coming for your business
Ahead of Microsoft’s Ignite conference next week, rumors are swirling about Microsoft launching an “Agent 365” platform. If the tips pan out, Agent 365 could become a way for Microsoft to unify how th...
www.directionsonmicrosoft.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Microsoft is expected to take the next step toward its promise of agents becoming digital workers with its 'Agent 365' platform: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/microsofts-a... #MSTech #MSLicensing
Starting in Sept. 2026, Configuration Manager is moving from a semi-annual to an annual release schedule: techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/configu... #MSTech
Announcing the Annual Release Cadence for Microsoft Configuration Manager | Microsoft Community Hub
Starting with version 2609, Microsoft Configuration Manager will transition to an annual release cadence. This change is a formalization of the direction...
techcommunity.microsoft.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Starting in Sept. 2026, Configuration Manager is moving from a semi-annual to an annual release schedule: techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/configu... #MSTech
New Directions podcast is now available. Everything you wanted to know (or SHOULD want to know) about Microsoft ESUs with Directions' @jimgaynor.bsky.social , Rob Helm and @maryjofoley.bsky.social: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/podcasts/mic... #MSTech #MSLicensing
October 30, 2025 at 7:37 PM
New Directions podcast is now available. Everything you wanted to know (or SHOULD want to know) about Microsoft ESUs with Directions' @jimgaynor.bsky.social , Rob Helm and @maryjofoley.bsky.social: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/podcasts/mic... #MSTech #MSLicensing
Here's Microsoft's preliminary post-incident review for the Oct. 29 multi-hour Azure outage. It was not a good day for Azure Front Door and all the Azure services it touched: azure.status.microsoft/en-us/status... #MSTech
Azure status history | Microsoft Azure
Check the status history of Microsoft Azure services here.
azure.status.microsoft
October 30, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Here's Microsoft's preliminary post-incident review for the Oct. 29 multi-hour Azure outage. It was not a good day for Azure Front Door and all the Azure services it touched: azure.status.microsoft/en-us/status... #MSTech
Microsoft is dropping support for Office Online Server as of Dec. 31, 2026. Microsoft's recommended replacement (no surprise): Microsoft 365, which includes web-based versions of Word, Excel, PPT, OneNote: www.theregister.com/2025/10/22/m... #MSLicensing
Microsoft puts Office Online Server on the chopping block
: The end is nigh, now get thee to 365
www.theregister.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Microsoft is dropping support for Office Online Server as of Dec. 31, 2026. Microsoft's recommended replacement (no surprise): Microsoft 365, which includes web-based versions of Word, Excel, PPT, OneNote: www.theregister.com/2025/10/22/m... #MSLicensing
That plan for rolling out Auto-archiving for Exchange Online starting Oct. 15 -- which Microsoft postponed due to negative customer feedback -- is back on again, but not until Jan. 2026. Public preview to start Nov. 15, 2025: techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchang... #MSTech
Auto-Archiving for Exchange Online | Microsoft Community Hub
We are happy to announce the time-based archiving feature for Exchange Online users with archives.
techcommunity.microsoft.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:46 PM
That plan for rolling out Auto-archiving for Exchange Online starting Oct. 15 -- which Microsoft postponed due to negative customer feedback -- is back on again, but not until Jan. 2026. Public preview to start Nov. 15, 2025: techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchang... #MSTech
The product formerly known as "Copilot for Finance" (and also later as "Finance Agents") is now generally available. The newest name might be Finance solution for M365 Copilot (?): www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynami... #MSTech
Finance in Microsoft 365 Copilot is now generally available
Built with Microsoft 365 Copilot, this role-based AI solution brings ERP-connected data and workflows directly into the flow of work
www.microsoft.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:42 PM
The product formerly known as "Copilot for Finance" (and also later as "Finance Agents") is now generally available. The newest name might be Finance solution for M365 Copilot (?): www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynami... #MSTech
What's happening with Microsoft Exchange? Get caught up with our new podcast now out with special guest Tony Redmond @office365itpros.com
Directions analyst Rob Helm and @maryjofoley.bsky.social
directionsonmicrosoft.com/podcasts/wha... #MSTech
Directions analyst Rob Helm and @maryjofoley.bsky.social
directionsonmicrosoft.com/podcasts/wha... #MSTech
October 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
What's happening with Microsoft Exchange? Get caught up with our new podcast now out with special guest Tony Redmond @office365itpros.com
Directions analyst Rob Helm and @maryjofoley.bsky.social
directionsonmicrosoft.com/podcasts/wha... #MSTech
Directions analyst Rob Helm and @maryjofoley.bsky.social
directionsonmicrosoft.com/podcasts/wha... #MSTech
New post from Directions analyst
@barryb.bsky.social: Enterprise Semantic Layer: The Missing Link for AI (and Microsoft)? www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/cto-talk-the...
@barryb.bsky.social: Enterprise Semantic Layer: The Missing Link for AI (and Microsoft)? www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/cto-talk-the...
CIO Talk: The Enterprise Semantic Layer: The Missing Link for AI (and Microsoft)?
This blog post is a little different. I’m not going to tell you about the pros and cons of a Microsoft technology – rather, I’m going to talk about a missing Microsoft piece of the puzzle. Maybe it’s ...
www.directionsonmicrosoft.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:36 PM
New post from Directions analyst
@barryb.bsky.social: Enterprise Semantic Layer: The Missing Link for AI (and Microsoft)? www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/cto-talk-the...
@barryb.bsky.social: Enterprise Semantic Layer: The Missing Link for AI (and Microsoft)? www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/cto-talk-the...
With Windows 10 hitting end of support this week, Microsoft is trying to make Windows 11 more appealing by adding more AI features. If you loved "Hey Cortana," you might love "Hey Copilot." And if not, probably not... blogs.windows.com/windowsexper... #MSTech
Making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC
New Copilot and agentic experiences make powerful AI easy on Windows 11
Today, we’re taking an exciting step forward with a new wave of updates that make every Windows 11 PC an AI PC – with Copilot at...
blogs.windows.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:32 PM
With Windows 10 hitting end of support this week, Microsoft is trying to make Windows 11 more appealing by adding more AI features. If you loved "Hey Cortana," you might love "Hey Copilot." And if not, probably not... blogs.windows.com/windowsexper... #MSTech
New M365 Copilot offering for academic customers (educators, staff, students) coming in Dec. 2025 at $18 per user per month (instead of the usual $30 for M365 Copilot): www.microsoft.com/en-us/educat... #MSLicensing
New AI experiences and academic offering for Microsoft 365 Copilot | Microsoft Education Blog
Explore new AI-powered experiences at no additional cost for educators and students—plus an academic offering for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
www.microsoft.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:51 PM
New M365 Copilot offering for academic customers (educators, staff, students) coming in Dec. 2025 at $18 per user per month (instead of the usual $30 for M365 Copilot): www.microsoft.com/en-us/educat... #MSLicensing
CIO Talk: Compliance in the world of AI -- Are you ready? www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/cto-talk-com... #MSTech #MSLicensing
CTO Talk: Compliance in the World of AI: Are You Ready?
By Barry Briggs Compliance covers an ever-increasing, absolutely mandatory spectrum of activities, processes, and technologies with which your enterprise must concern itself. The Compliance Imperative...
www.directionsonmicrosoft.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:05 PM
CIO Talk: Compliance in the world of AI -- Are you ready? www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/cto-talk-com... #MSTech #MSLicensing
For those needing a refresher (or introduction), here's a bit on Microsoft's newest CEO, Judson Althoff, who now heads up the giant Microsoft commercial business: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/know-your-mi... #MSTech
Know Your Microsoft Execs: Meet Judson Althoff
He’s not a household name like Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer or Satya Nadella. But Judson Althoff — Microsoft’s latest exec to get a “CEO” title — now runs the entirety of Microsoft’s Commercial business....
www.directionsonmicrosoft.com
October 2, 2025 at 7:58 PM
For those needing a refresher (or introduction), here's a bit on Microsoft's newest CEO, Judson Althoff, who now heads up the giant Microsoft commercial business: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/know-your-mi... #MSTech
Reposted by Directions on Microsoft
Beginning on October 1, 2025, Microsoft will be renaming its Microsoft 365 E5 mini-suites:
- Microsoft 365 E5 Security → the Microsoft Defender Suite.
- Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance → the Microsoft Purview Suite.
//As Microsoft rebrands go, this is surprisingly well done and logical.
- Microsoft 365 E5 Security → the Microsoft Defender Suite.
- Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance → the Microsoft Purview Suite.
//As Microsoft rebrands go, this is surprisingly well done and logical.
October 2025 announcements - Partner Center announcements
October 2025 announcements for Microsoft Partner Center including new capabilities, promotions, offers, markets, or changes to existing offers.
learn.microsoft.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Beginning on October 1, 2025, Microsoft will be renaming its Microsoft 365 E5 mini-suites:
- Microsoft 365 E5 Security → the Microsoft Defender Suite.
- Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance → the Microsoft Purview Suite.
//As Microsoft rebrands go, this is surprisingly well done and logical.
- Microsoft 365 E5 Security → the Microsoft Defender Suite.
- Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance → the Microsoft Purview Suite.
//As Microsoft rebrands go, this is surprisingly well done and logical.
For clarity's sake: M365 Premium is NOT M365 E7. M365 "Premium," the just announced $20 per user per month subscription aimed at ChatGPT Plus, is a new consumer bundle: www.microsoft.com/en-us/micros... #MSTech #MSLicensing
Meet Microsoft 365 Premium: Your AI and productivity powerhouse | Microsoft 365 Blog
Microsoft is taking a big step forward with major updates to our individual subscription lineup, combining the best of AI and productivity at an unbeatable price.
www.microsoft.com
October 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
For clarity's sake: M365 Premium is NOT M365 E7. M365 "Premium," the just announced $20 per user per month subscription aimed at ChatGPT Plus, is a new consumer bundle: www.microsoft.com/en-us/micros... #MSTech #MSLicensing
ICYMI: Microsoft is making Anthropic’s Claude a new option in Microsoft 365 Copilot. It also is starting to make good on more of its agent promises: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/microsoft-be... #MSTech #MSLicensing
Microsoft Begins Rolling Out More Model and Agent Options for M365 Copilot and Beyond
Microsoft is adding Anthropic’s models to Microsoft 365 Copilot, alongside the existing OpenAI models that are already at the heart of it. Microsoft is kicking off this process by adding Anthropic’s C...
www.directionsonmicrosoft.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:42 PM
ICYMI: Microsoft is making Anthropic’s Claude a new option in Microsoft 365 Copilot. It also is starting to make good on more of its agent promises: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/microsoft-be... #MSTech #MSLicensing
Microsoft is rolling out the net phase of its app-marketplace strategy by unifying AppSource, its Agent Store and Azure Marketplace into a new unified storefront called Microsoft Marketplace: blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/09... #MSTech
Introducing Microsoft Marketplace — Thousands of solutions. Millions of customers. One Marketplace. - The Official Microsoft Blog
A new breed of industry-leading company is taking shape — Frontier Firms. These organizations blend human ambition with AI-powered technology to reshape how innovation is scaled, work is orchestrated ...
blogs.microsoft.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Microsoft is rolling out the net phase of its app-marketplace strategy by unifying AppSource, its Agent Store and Azure Marketplace into a new unified storefront called Microsoft Marketplace: blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/09... #MSTech
Happening today at 1 pm ET
Coming up Sept. 25, 1 PM ET: @maryjofoley.bsky.social will be hosting Directions on Microsoft's Dean Bedwell for an Ask Us Anything on Microsoft contract negotiations. Get your questions answered in real time during this LinkedIn Live event. More info: www.linkedin.com/events/micro... #MSLicensing
September 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Happening today at 1 pm ET
No final deprecation date yet, but Microsoft is encouraging users to get off of Teams Live Events and move to Teams Town Hall. Admins should set policies to make sure Town Hall is enabled. More info in M365 Message Center MC1154302 and learn.microsoft.com/en-us/micros... #MSTech
Manage who can schedule and attend town halls in Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams
Learn how to set up and manage town hall policies for IT Admins in Microsoft Teams. Learn how to manage who can schedule and attend town halls in your organization.
learn.microsoft.com
September 24, 2025 at 7:29 PM
No final deprecation date yet, but Microsoft is encouraging users to get off of Teams Live Events and move to Teams Town Hall. Admins should set policies to make sure Town Hall is enabled. More info in M365 Message Center MC1154302 and learn.microsoft.com/en-us/micros... #MSTech
Microsoft is adding Anthropic's Claude models as another option (beyond OpenAI's models) to M365 Copilot. Starting today, Claude will show up as an option in Researcher Agent and in Copilot Studio (with more options to come): www.microsoft.com/en-us/micros... #MSTech
Expanding model choice in Microsoft 365 Copilot | Microsoft 365 Blog
We’re excited to announce that we’re expanding the models that power Microsoft 365 Copilot with the addition of Anthropic models.
www.microsoft.com
September 24, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Microsoft is adding Anthropic's Claude models as another option (beyond OpenAI's models) to M365 Copilot. Starting today, Claude will show up as an option in Researcher Agent and in Copilot Studio (with more options to come): www.microsoft.com/en-us/micros... #MSTech
Coming in Oct., new licensing changes instigated by Broadcom will force customers to bring their own licenses to VMware hosting from Microsoft and other providers: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/broadcom-ins... #MSLicensing #MSTech
Broadcom Inserts Itself into Azure VMware Solution
In late August, Broadcom announced (yet another) change to how they license VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), the suite that includes VMware vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and cloud management software. That change...
www.directionsonmicrosoft.com
September 19, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Coming in Oct., new licensing changes instigated by Broadcom will force customers to bring their own licenses to VMware hosting from Microsoft and other providers: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/broadcom-ins... #MSLicensing #MSTech
New podcast now available. Directions on Microsoft Senior Consultant Steve Kelley shares his Microsoft contract escalation dos, don'ts, (and a few war stories) with @maryjofoley.bsky.social: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/podcasts/mic... #MSLicensing
September 19, 2025 at 6:27 PM
New podcast now available. Directions on Microsoft Senior Consultant Steve Kelley shares his Microsoft contract escalation dos, don'ts, (and a few war stories) with @maryjofoley.bsky.social: www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/podcasts/mic... #MSLicensing
Coming up Sept. 25, 1 PM ET: @maryjofoley.bsky.social will be hosting Directions on Microsoft's Dean Bedwell for an Ask Us Anything on Microsoft contract negotiations. Get your questions answered in real time during this LinkedIn Live event. More info: www.linkedin.com/events/micro... #MSLicensing
September 19, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Coming up Sept. 25, 1 PM ET: @maryjofoley.bsky.social will be hosting Directions on Microsoft's Dean Bedwell for an Ask Us Anything on Microsoft contract negotiations. Get your questions answered in real time during this LinkedIn Live event. More info: www.linkedin.com/events/micro... #MSLicensing
Copilot Chat is coming to almost all Microsoft 365 commercial subscribers -- even those without a full M365 Copilot license. What will this mean to you? www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/a-copilot-ch... #MSTech
A Copilot Chat in Every Pot
This week, Microsoft announced it is rolling out Copilot Chat and web-grounded agents to the major Office applications. Given the naming confusion around the Copilot brand, the significance of this m...
www.directionsonmicrosoft.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Copilot Chat is coming to almost all Microsoft 365 commercial subscribers -- even those without a full M365 Copilot license. What will this mean to you? www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/a-copilot-ch... #MSTech
ICYMI: Starting in Oct., the Microsoft 365 Copilot app will be automatically installed on Windows devices that have Microsoft 365 desktop apps, unless administrators opt out: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilo... #MSTech
Deployment overview for the Microsoft 365 Copilot app
Enterprise and company IT Admins can use this guide to manage the deployment of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app to devices in their organization.
learn.microsoft.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:37 PM
ICYMI: Starting in Oct., the Microsoft 365 Copilot app will be automatically installed on Windows devices that have Microsoft 365 desktop apps, unless administrators opt out: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilo... #MSTech