The PressPass Q&A we posted today addressed a number of questions around Windows XP Mode. I wanted to clarify in more detail the differences between Windows XP Mode and MED-V and how specifically MED-V v2, a component of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP), adds management to Windows XP Mode.
The main facts:
Windows XP Mode is specifically designed to help small-business users to run their Windows XP applications on their Windows 7 desktop.
- Windows XP Mode is available for Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise customers.
- Windows XP Mode combines Windows Virtual PC and a pre-installed virtual Windows XP environment to allow users run many older applications.
- Windows Virtual PC will enable users to launch virtual applications seamlessly from the Windows 7 Start menu.
- Windows Virtual PC includes support for USB devices and is based on a new core that includes multi-threading support.
Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) is designed for IT Professionals.
- MED-V enables Virtual PC deployment in larger organizations.
- MED-V provides centralized management, policy-based provisioning and virtual image delivery to reduce the cost of Virtual PC deployment.
- MED-V v1 builds on Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 to help enterprises with their upgrade to Windows Vista when applications are not yet compatible.
- MED-V v2 will add support for Windows 7 (both 32 bit and 64bit) and Windows Virtual PC.
- MED-V v2 beta will be available within 90 days of Windows 7 GA.
How MED-V adds management to Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC?
To provide a managed, scalable solution for running virtual Windows XP applications, MED-V addresses many of the IT challenges around deployment and management including:
Deployment – deliver virtual Windows images and customize per user and device settings
- Automate first-time virtual PC setup based on an IT customized script – including assignment of a unique computer name, joining to AD domain
(for instance: assign the virtual PC a name that is derived from the physical device name or the username to simplify identification and management) - Adjust virtual PC memory allocation based on available RAM on host, so that the virtual PC does not take significant resources from the user
Provisioning – define which applications and websites are available to different users
- Assign virtual PC images according to users and groups
- Define which Windows XP applications will be available to the user through the start menu
- Define which websites (e.g. internal sites that requires a previous version of Internet Explorer) are redirected automatically to Windows XP
Control – assign and expire usage permissions and Virtual PC settings
- Control the network settings of the Virtual PC (e.g. whether it connects through NAT or DHCP, whether its DNS is synchronized with host)
- Authenticate user before granting access to the Virtual PC
- Set expiration date, after which the Virtual PC is not accessible to the end user
Maintenance and Support - update images, monitor users and remotely troubleshoot
- Update images using TrimTransfer network image delivery – update a master Virtual PC image, and MED-V will automatically distribute and apply the changes to all endpoints
- Centralized database aggregates events from all users, and provides troubleshooting information on malfunctioning virtual PCs
- Administrator diagnostics mode allows faster resolution of Virtual PC issues
Run on multiple platforms – MED-V will work on both Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
Which customers should use Windows XP Mode standalone?
Windows XP Mode standalone is suitable for small and medium business users, who are able to set their XP applications themselves and may or may not have IT Professional staff. Each PC has its own virtual Windows XP environment that is controlled and managed by the end user. Windows XP Mode standalone is not designed for large, centrally managed deployments that have widely deployed business applications that require Windows XP.
So in summary MED-V builds on top of Windows Virtual PC and adds important management capabilities.