MED-V 1.0 is here!
by Shijaz Abdulla on 11.04.2009 at 12:34Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) version 1.0 is now available to Software Assurance (SA) customers who have purchased MDOP (Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack) benefit.
MED-V is not available as a standalone product and is exclusively available as one of the six tools included in the MDOP.
MED-V bridges the application compatibility gap between current versions of Windows and legacy Windows-based applications by allowing enterprises to move desktops completely to newer versions of Windows.
For end-users: MED-V provides seamless integration of applications running in virtual machines with the host OS to provide for a unified desktop experience. Legacy applications that are incompatible with newer versions of Windows will run off a Virtual PC, running a legacy Windows version. All this is seamless to the user; the user merely opens the application from the Start menu of the host OS.
For enterprise administrators: MED-V provides deployment and management of virtual desktops to enable key enterprise scenarios. The Virtual PC images and any updates can be distributed efficiently over the network using an advanced de-duplication technology.
MED-V vs. App-V
Desktop virtualization enabled by MED-V, isn’t the same as application virtualization. Desktop virtualization addresses the incompatibility between an application and the operating system.
Application virtualization enabled by App-V, deals with the incompatibility between two applications. It lets the two apps run on the same operating system in isolation – in a virtualized runtime environment. Microsoft App-V, which is also part of MDOP, enables this application virtualization.
MED-V essentially helps IT pros upgrade the Windows OS without interrupting the flow of business. The benefits of MED-V 1.0 include:
- Central creation, deployment and updating of PC images throughout the enterprise;
- Provisioning virtual images and user policies by business affiliation and requirements;
- Accelerating OS upgrades; and
- Simplifying IT integration by allowing two IT environments to run concurrently.
TechNet/MSDN subscribers can evaluate MED-V 1.0. Software Assurance customers can get it on the MVLS website.
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