Desktop Virtualization in Public Beta

Enterprise Desktop Virtualization enables organizations to define and build virtual machines (VMs) centrally and assign these VMs to authenticated users to run on their PCs. The technology, which entered public beta-testing in Jan. 2009, is intended to help Microsoft customers centrally create, deploy, and manage VMs for uses such as running existing applications that are incompatible with a new OS or deploying a standard corporate desktop image. Because customers can retain the ability to run legacy applications, they may be encouraged to upgrade to Vista or Windows 7.

Removing OS Upgrade Barriers

Organizations with third-party or custom applications face the sometimes daunting task of testing those applications when they are planning migration to Windows Vista or Windows 7 to take advantage of new OS features, such as better security and integrated search. In some cases, the applications are not compatible with the new OS and an organization may decide not to upgrade or fix the applications but instead continue to run the older OS. In addition, temporary use of a VM may be needed, such as when contractors need access to a corporate desktop, or when users need multiple environments during the transition after a merger or acquisition.