Kurt Shintaku's Blog

The MDOP, App-V and MED-V teams are excited to announce the release today of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2011 with App-V 4.6 Service Pack 1 and MED-V 2.0!

App-V 4.6 SP1 makes application virtualization…

Easy

• A simplified packaging experience – new packagers are productive right away
• Step-by-step guidance for common packaging tasks
• Diagnostic that alert you to potential issues before they become problems

Fast

• App-V Package Accelerators speed packaging of complex applications
• App-V Templates provide a way to quickly and easily reuse common settings
• Eliminate the App-V Sequencing learning curve

Predictable

• Consistent, repeatable application packaging
• Built-in best practices make you a sequencing expert
• Streamlined command-line scripting enables automation

App-V 4.6 SP1 rolls-up existing App-V hotfixes and also extends support for the App-V read-only shared cache to RDS as well as VDI scenarios. With this new support, you can save storage space no matter which desktop virtualization technology you choose for server-based computing.

Check out videos that demonstrate the new features in App-V 4.6 SP1. And when you’re ready to get started, you can download the App-V 4.6 SP1 Trial Guide. If you’re already an expert at App-V, then the updated App-V 4.6 SP1 Sequencing Guide is for you.

MED-V 2.0 helps you bridge “the last mile” of application compatibility as you move from Windows XP to Windows 7 by allowing older applications, including web-based application, to run in a Windows XP-based compatibility workspace within Windows 7.

Don’t confuse MED-V with Microsoft’s consumer and small business compatibility tool, Windows XP Mode. MED-V expands on the capabilities in Windows XP Mode by adding enterprise features, such as the ability to use a custom Windows XP image, automating first time setup and controlling URL redirection for Internet Explorer.

What’s new in MED-V 2.0?

• No dedicated MED-V infrastructure to deploy – MED-V 2.0 workspaces are deployed and managed using existing electronic software distribution (ESD) systems, including System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007 R2 or higher.
• Streamlined sign-on to the MED-V workspace – Users can save their passwords for seamless sign-on to the MED-V workspace.
• Automatic application publishing – New applications deployed to MED-V workspaces, including App-V virtual applications, are available to the Windows 7 host automatically.
• My Documents and Desktop redirection – Legacy applications work just like locally installed applications when it comes to opening, saving and printing documents.
• USB device/SmartCard support – USB devices, including thumb drives and Smartcard readers can be shared between the host and applications running in the MED-V workspace.
• New Internet Explorer redirection options – IT administrators can redirect legacy web applications using wildcards (http://*.example.com), sites (http://www.example.com/hr), at the page-level (http://www.example.com/hr/benefits.asp) or by specifying a port (http://vpn.example.com:1234)
• Automated guest hibernation at shutdown – The MED-V workspace is seamlessly suspended when the user logs off or shuts down the Windows 7 host.

See for yourself how MED-V looks from a user’s point of view. Want a deeper look? There are more videos that show you how to create and deploy MED-V workspaces, and a MED-V 2.0 Trial Guide to help you get started.