Episodes

  • The Human Side of Data Governance

    The Human Side of Data Governance
    Jul 16 2025
    We've all heard repeatedly about the importance of securing your data estate before implementing Copilots, agents and other AI components. Directions analyst Barry Briggs talks with Mary Jo Foley about what needs to happen among execs, IT and employees on for data governance to really work.
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    24 mins
  • SQL Server 2025 to Deliver AI Features and Lots More

    SQL Server 2025 to Deliver AI Features and Lots More
    Jun 26 2025
    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.
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    36 mins
  • Microsoft Security Copilot: What You Need to Know

    Microsoft Security Copilot: What You Need to Know
    Jun 10 2025
    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.
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    32 mins
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat vs. OpenAI's ChatGPT: How to Choose

    Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat vs. OpenAI's ChatGPT: How to Choose
    May 29 2025
    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).
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    23 mins
  • What's Going on With Windows

    What's Going on With Windows
    May 21 2025
    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.
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    23 mins
  • Microsoft: A Look Back From Inside

    Microsoft: A Look Back From Inside
    May 1 2025
    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.
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    49 mins
  • Understanding Microsoft's AI Strategy

    Understanding Microsoft's AI Strategy
    Mar 28 2025
    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.
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    33 mins
  • The Growing Risks of Staying On-Premises

    The Growing Risks of Staying On-Premises
    Mar 14 2025
    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.
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    22 mins