Windows 7: Enterprise Optimization

Microsoft have announced that they will be releasing the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2009 R2 in late October and will add Windows 7 support for all components except MED-V.

Server and management components will support Windows 2008 R2.

The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) is a dynamic desktop solution that is available as a subscription for Software Assurance customers. The solution suite enhances application deployment and compatibility, increases IT responsiveness and end user uptime, and helps reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) of your desktop software and IT management.

MDOP employs six innovative technologies to increase desktop manageability, reduce TCO, and improve overall infrastructure satisfaction:

1. Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) turns applications into centrally managed services that are never installed, never conflict, and are streamed on demand to end users.
2. Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) provides deployment and management of virtual PC images to enable key enterprise scenarios, primarily application compatibility with Windows Vista and Windows 7.
3. Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM) provides governance and control over Group Policy through robust change management and role-based administration.
4. Microsoft Asset Inventory Service (AIS) is a hosted service that collects software inventory data and translates it into business intelligence.
5. Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) reduces downtime by accelerating desktop repair, recovery, and troubleshooting of unbootable Windows-based desktops.
6. Microsoft System Center Desktop Error Monitoring (DEM) enables proactive problem management by analyzing and reporting on application and system crashes.

MDOP is available as an additional subscription for Software Assurance customers for less than $10 per desktop per year.

Since July 1^st, 2009, Microsoft has made it easier to license MDOP through the platform Enterprise Agreement (EA).

Two new SKUs have been created to include MDOP: Professional Desktop with MDOP, Enterprise Desktop with MDOP. Visit Microsoft Licensing Site for additional details.

Learn more about the MDOP by visiting the MDOP web site or the MDOP section on TechNet.  You can also contact your Microsoft sales representative to learn more about MDOP 2009 R2 release and its licensing options.

MDOP 2009 R2 will be available for download to our MDOP subscribers, late October 2009, through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Site (MVLS). 

For others who wish to evaluate MDOP products, the software will become available shortly after the release in MSDN and TechNet in accordance with MSDN and TechNet agreements.