In case you missed the webcast yesterday, Microsoft announced several product and licensing enhancements related to desktop virtualization. Here’s a summary from the official press release.

  • Improved licensing model for virtual Windows desktop. Beginning July 1, 2010, Windows Client Software Assurance customers will no longer have to buy a separate license to access their Windows operating system in a VDI environment, as virtual desktop access rights now will be a Software Assurance benefit.
  • New roaming use rights improve flexibility. Beginning July 1, 2010, Windows Client Software Assurance and new Virtual Desktop Access license customers will have the right to access their virtual Windows desktop and their Microsoft Office applications hosted on VDI technology on secondary, non-corporate network devices, such as home PCs and kiosks.
  • Windows XP Mode no longer requires hardware virtualization technology. This change simplifies the experience by making virtualization more accessible to many more PCs for small and midsize businesses wanting to migrate to Windows 7 Professional or higher editions, while still running Windows XP-based productivity applications.
  • Two new features coming in Windows Server 2008 R2 service pack 1. Microsoft Dynamic Memory will allow customers to adjust memory of a guest virtual machine on demand to maximize server hardware use. Microsoft RemoteFX will enable users of virtual desktops and applications to receive a rich 3-D, multimedia experience while accessing information remotely.

image

 

Note to my customers: I’ll follow up with all of you individually to make sure you understand how these changes impact your desktop virtualization plans. The news is all good… so it should be a fun discussion. Also notice the lack of information about new features coming in Windows 7 SP1. That’s because aside from the new RDP client that takes advantage of RemoteFX, the product team isn’t planning any major changes for Windows 7 SP1. The product is ready to deploy today – not like the old days when conventional wisdom said to wait for SP1. Talk to you soon. --Jeff