#859 Busting the 4 Myths of Microsoft Support with Mary Jo Foley & Mike Jones

Today, we're talking to Mary Jo Foley, Editor in Chief, Directions on Microsoft, and Mike Jones, VP at US Cloud. We discuss four myths about Microsoft support that waste thousands of dollars every year, why Microsoft is investing $80b into AI, and why Mary Jo told Steve Jobs to leave her first interview with Bill Gates.

All of this right here, right now, on the Modern CTO Podcast!

To learn more about US Cloud, check out their website here.

To learn more about Directions on Microsoft, check out their website here.

About Mary Jo Foley

Mary Jo Foley is an American freelance technology writer, author, podcaster and news editor. She regularly writes news, previews, and reviews for Microsoft's strategy, products and technology. Foley has been covering news on Microsoft Windows, and previously on Unix-related technology, since 1983, for publications including ZDNet, eWeek, Baseline, Redmond magazine, PC Magazine, and Directions on Microsoft.

About Michael Jones

Mike Jones is the VP of Product Development at US Cloud, a leading provider of third-party Microsoft support solutions. With over 20 years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem, Mike is passionate about creating alternatives in the support space and helping organizations optimize their IT strategies. Mike is dedicated to building world-class support teams and integrating innovative technologies like AI to enhance customer experiences. He frequently contributes to educational content, sharing his expertise on Microsoft support and IT leadership.

About US Cloud

US Cloud is the #1 alternative for enterprise Microsoft Support globally, providing comprehensive break-fix and consultative support for the entire Microsoft stack, 24/7/365. Headquartered in St. Louis, the company actually created the category and remains the ONLY Gartner-recognized independent provider of replacement Microsoft Premier & Unified Support services in the marketplace today.

Our clients range from mid-sized organizations up to the Fortune 100. We typically save companies 30%-50% vs. Microsoft while offering more responsive service and 100% domestic, US-based engineers. We pride ourselves on being an engineering-focused company, dedicated exclusively to managed Microsoft Support, keeping enterprise IT up and running at a cost that preserves IT innovation and capability.

With over 300 companies making the switch to US Cloud in the last 18 months alone, we earned recognition as an INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company again with over 150% growth in 2024 — and we continue to grow. Simply put, we are trailblazers who are dedicated to providing “high-quality, fanatical Microsoft Support at prices that companies of all sizes can afford.”