MDOP Makes Some Noise in Spain

I mentioned last week that we would have some announcements posted to the blog. Well, as you heard today at TechEd IT Pro in Barcelona, Spain - Application Virtualization (App-V) will support 64-bit applications and platforms in H1 2010, with TAP availability expected in late 2009. By adding 64-bit support, we’re helping to IT administrators take full advantage of new, faster hardware and provide a higher level of service, security and flexibility to their businesses. 64-bit support will be included for both App-V client and server infrastructure components and fully compatible with Microsoft’s 64-bit operating systems. This support will apply across all existing App-V offerings, which include:

•  App-V for Desktops which is purchased through the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack

•  App-V for Hosters, which is purchased via Microsoft’s SPLA licensing program

•  App-V for Terminal Services which is purchased via the App-V for Terminal Services CAL

 

In addition to App-V, we’re also gearing up to include a second virtualization technology, called Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V), into the MDOP suite. MED-V is the culmination of months of work from the product team following the acquisition of Kidaro, and we’re proud to let you know that a beta of MED-V will be available in Q1 2009. By adding MED-V as the pivotal “Sixth man” in MDOP, we will enable IT professionals to optimize their desktop infrastructure by providing management capabilities for Virtual PCs, streamlining OS deployments, and easing application compatibility issues. Look for registration for beta at https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=665, where you could also nominate for early adoption even before Q1. The product is targeted for final release in the first half of 2009.

 

So, why are today’s virtualization announcements so important? As part of MDOP, both App-V and MED-V are key technologies for driving an optimized desktop infrastructure, in which physical and virtual resources are centrally managed by IT, and seamlessly deployed to users via technologies like App-V and MED-V. This enables you, as the IT managers, to maintain complete control over user desktops, which results in higher uptime and levels of performance company-wide, but also drives end-user productivity by giving them great performance and flexibility on a computer that doesn’t feel “locked down”. In short, the Optimized Desktop eliminates the historic “tug-of-war” that exists between IT and end-user needs in a traditional desktop infrastructure.