The VAR Guy

Microsoft is making itself more known in the desktop virtualization space. Its latest moves include two new updates to Microsoft’s App-V and MED-V that are now part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Package and new thin client-related goodies. Read on for more information on Redmond’s virtualization offerings …

First, here are the updates to App-V 4.6 and MED-V 2.0:

• App-V 4.6 SP1: Generally available now with minor updates as-is, but come early April 2011, Microsoft hopes its new package accelerators will translate to faster application virtualization for customers with legacy or unique apps in need of virtualizing and sandboxing for daily use.
• MED-V 2.0: Available now, MED-V has new features that break down legacy application barriers so IT pros can migrate more apps to Windows 7 faster. Also included are new integration capabilities between System Center Configuration Manager and other third-party solutions.

Microsoft also plans to launch its Windows Thin PC Customer Technology Preview at the end of March 2011. The technology acts as a locked-down version of Windows 7, and has been designed to repurpose old PCs as thin clients.

If you’re wondering about the finder details in Microsoft’s virtualization foray, the company has posted a video of its most recent roundtable discussion with industry leaders currently using Microsoft virtualization technology.

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