Enhancing deployment and management for virtual PCs in enterprise environments
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.
Simplify OS upgrade and reduce compatibility issues
When facing an upgrade to a new version of Windows, IT is required to map and test all its line of business applications on the new operating system. While Microsoft offers a variety of methods and tools to address applications that are not working properly, in every organization there will be a subset of applications that are not yet officially supported by their vendor, or might not work at all despite all efforts. This whole process—testing, fixing the application, upgrading to a new version that supports Windows 7, or finding an alternative application—is time-consuming. Meanwhile, users are unable to take advantage of the operating system’s new capabilities and enhancements, and IT departments have to delay their upgrade plans.
Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) removes the barriers to Windows upgrades by resolving application incompatibility with Windows Vista or Windows 7. MED-V delivers applications in a Virtual PC that runs a previous version of the operating system (for example, Windows XP). And it does so in a way that is completely seamless and transparent to the user. Applications appear and operate as if they were installed on the desktop, so that users can even pin them to the task bar. For IT administrators, MED-V helps deploy, provision, control, and support the virtual environments.
"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
Enable incompatible applications
Accelerate the upgrade path to Windows 7.
Incompatible or unsupported applications continue to run in a virtual environment with a previous operating system version, seamlessly integrated into the Windows 7 desktop.
While comparing to Windows XP Mode, a preconfigured Windows XP environment that is available on Windows 7 Professional and above, MED-V provides the additional capabilities required for deployment throughout the enterprise:
Deploy and provision
Deploy IT-managed virtual XP environment to end users.
Enable customization in heterogeneous desktop environments.
Automate first-time Virtual PC setup (i.e., initial network setup, computer name, domain join).
Adjust Virtual PC memory allocation based on available RAM on host.
Application provisioning based on Microsoft Active Directory® users/groups.
Redirect web requests that require Internet Explorer 6 to the virtual XP environment.
Control and Monitor
Centrally define usage permissions, and Virtual PC settings.
Centrally monitor endpoint clients.
Provide helpdesk tools to diagnose and troubleshoot virtual PCs.
Read more about MED-V features and architecture in this white paper.
MED-V Product Availability
MED-V 1.0 is available now as part of MDOP 2009 release and supports Windows Vista.
Read the MDOP 2009 announcement.
MED-V 1.0 SP1 with support for Windows7 (32bit and 64bit) will be available in the first quarter of calendar year 2010.
MED-V 1.0 SP1 will rely on Virtual PC 2007 technology, and will not require hardware-assisted virtualization (e.g. Intel VT, AMD-V)
Technical Resources