ConfigMgr 2007 R2 and Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V)

 

Desktop Virtualization: ConfigMgr 2007 R2 and Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V)

Over on the System Center product team blog they posted a really cool video where Jeff Wettlaufer (Technical Product Manager for System Center) chats with Brad Anderson (General Manager of MSD) about what's going on in terms of desktop virtualization and Configuration Manager 2007 R2.  They cover everything from the application level to the hardware level, the latter in the context of the recent Kidaro acquisition.

If you're not familiar with Kidaro, now called MED-V or Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization, here's the lowdown:

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Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) adds four additional components on top of Virtual PC to enable enterprise deployment of desktop virtualization:

• Virtual image repository and delivery: simplifies the process of creating, testing, delivering, and updating virtual images:
  • Centralized virtual images repository for image creation and testing
  • Auto-install package for remote deployments via removable media (for example, DVD, USB key)
  • Efficient image delivery and updates over LAN or WAN (using TrimTransfer de-duplication technology, based on Microsoft IIS)
  • Automate first-time virtual machine setup (for example, network setup, unique computer name, domain join)
• Centralized management and monitoring: manages the life-cycle of a virtual machine:
  • Centralized management server to control the deployed virtual machines
  • Image provisioning based on Microsoft Active Directory users and groups
  • User authentication prior to accessing the virtual image (online or offline)
  • Centralized database for client activity and events
• Usage policy and data transfer control: an endpoint agent enforces usage policies for the virtual machine:
  • Set expiration dates for the virtual machine and time limits for offline work
  • Inbound/outbound data transfer control (for example, copy/paste, file transfer, printing) between the virtual machine and the endpoint
  • Automatic redirection of predefined websites (for example, corporate intranet) from the endpoint browser to the virtual machine
• Seamless end-user experience:
  • Published applications—applications that are installed in the virtual machine become available through the user's Start Menu
  • Invisible virtual machine—applications that run in Virtual PC are seamlessly integrated into the user desktop and appear side-by-side with native applications

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I stole the info above from here and you can check out the video here.

Enjoy!

J.C. Hornbeck | Manageability Knowledge Engineer

SMS&MOM : Desktop Virtualization: ConfigMgr 2007 R2 and Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V)