
Moving From EA to MCA? Watch Out for These Gotchas
16/12/2025 | 22min
As Microsoft transitions more customers off Enterprise Agreements and onto MCAs, orgs need to be aware of some potentially costly changes they may incur. Directions' lead negotiator Dean Bedwell shares with Mary Jo Foley the biggest gotchas.

Is Cloud Computing Becoming a Commodity?
10/12/2025 | 22min
As similar AI strategies and non-exclusive partnerships proliferate, are there still reasons to choose Azure over AWS (or vice versa)? Duckbill's Corey Quinn joins Directions' Wes Miller and Mary Jo Foley to debate the topic.

Microsoft's Extended Security Updates: What You Need to Know
29/10/2025 | 22min
Cost isn't the only consideration when it comes to deploying ESUs. Directions on Microsoft analysts Jim Gaynor and Rob Helm share guidance on migration, negotiation, and governance and other implications of ESUs with Mary Jo Foley.

What's Happening with Microsoft Exchange?
17/10/2025 | 47min
There's been lots going on with Exchange lately, ranging from feature retirements, to AI and security infusions, to a new subscription edition. Catch up on all the latest in this episode with special guest MVP and Redmond & Associates founder Tony Redmond, Directions analyst Rob Helm and Mary Jo Foley.

Microsoft Contract Negotiation: Escalation Dos and Don'ts
19/9/2025 | 22min
Organizations need to weigh when, how, and if it's worth escalating during their Microsoft contract negotiation process. In this episode, Directions on Microsoft Senior Consultant Steve Kelley shares his dos, don'ts, (and a few war stories) with Mary Jo Foley.



The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast