MED-V 1.0 is here!

Microsoft 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.