Windows 7: MDOP

Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V), a core component of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) for Software Assurance, enables deployment and management of Microsoft Virtual PC Windows desktops to address key enterprise scenarios.

Primarily, MED-V helps enterprises upgrade to the latest version of Windows even when some applications are not yet functional or supported.

MED-V builds on top of virtual PC to run two operating systems on one device, adding virtual image delivery, policy-based provisioning, and centralized management.

Incompatibility of applications with newer versions of Microsoft Windows can delay enterprise operating system (OS) upgrades.

Testing and migrating applications can be time-consuming, and meanwhile, users are unable to take advantage of the new capabilities and enhancements offered by the new OS.

By delivering applications in a virtual PC that runs a previous version of the OS (for example, Windows XP), MED-V removes the barriers to OS upgrades.

"MED-V saves us time in standardizing our desktop across the multiple entities of the Belgacom Group," says Eric Opitom, Office Automation Domain Manager at Belgacom, a provider of integrated telecommunication services. "With thousands of users in our environment, MED-V will significantly reduce the time required for testing and migrating the applications we have."

Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization: Advantages

• Centrally create, deploy, and update virtual PC images throughout the enterprise.
• Provision virtual images and user policies according to business affiliation and requirements.
• Accelerate the upgrade path to new desktop OS; older applications continue to run in a virtual environment with a previous OS version.
• Enable two IT environments to run concurrently on a single device.

Future use cases for MED-V

Desktop virtualization will continue to introduce new ways to increase desktop computing flexibility. It is our intention that in future releases, MED-V—in conjunction with the new VECD licensing—may be used to deliver a corporate virtual PC image to "unmanaged" PCs, and may help organizations reduce the tension between IT control and user flexibility. MED-V uses cases will include:

• Enabling employees to work with a managed corporate environment from home PCs.
• Driving business continuity and recovery plans with virtual desktops.
• Increasing productivity for on-site contractors, branch offices, and remote agents.

Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management AGPM

Microsoft Application Virtualization App V

Microsoft Asset Inventory Service AIS

Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset DaRT

Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization MED V

Microsoft System Center Desktop Error Monitoring DEM