Optimization Pack Prepares for Windows 8, Drops Tools

The Desktop Optimization Pack, a suite of tools for managing PCs, is being updated to enable organizations to manage Windows 8 with Windows Server 2012 infrastructure. However, the pack’s desktop virtual machine and monitoring components will be discontinued, and the software inventory tool will be replaced by temporary rights to use Windows Intune, Microsoft’s online desktop management service.

Updates for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

The Desktop Optimization Pack (DOP, which Microsoft calls MDOP) is a set of eight PC virtualization and management utilities available to companies on a subscription basis. The current version, DOP 2011 R2, will be updated and likely will be released in the second half of 2012 after Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 become generally available. Several of the tools are now available in beta form.

The changes include the following:

AGPM. Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM) gives administrators more control over the configuration of PCs via Group Policy, the Windows service for centralized configuration of user and computer settings and applications. The current version is AGPM 4.0.