New Microsoft virtualization beta available for download

Microsoft made available for download by any and all interested parties a public beta of its Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) 2.0 technology on October 12.

Interested testers need to register to access the beta from the Microsoft Connect site.

MED-V is application desktop virtualization software based on technology Microsoft acquired from Kidaro in 2008. MED-V 1 Service Pack (SP) 1 was released earlier this year. Private beta versions of MED-V 2 were made available to select testers this past summer.

MED-V 2.0 is one of a number of migration tools that Microsoft offers exclusively to Software Assurance customers as part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP). Microsoft is touting MED-V as a Windows 7 migration tool that allows users to "retain access to legacy lines of business applications that require Windows XP."

New in the 2.0 version of MED-V, according to the Softies:

• No dedicated infrastructure required
• Streamlined sign-on to MED-V workspaces
• More options for Internet Explorer redirection
• USB device sharing
• My Documents, Desktop and network printer redirection

There have been hints that some future version of MED-V may be part of the virtualization technologies that Microsoft is counting on as part of its Windows 8 foundation.

No word on when Microsoft is planning to release the final version of MED-V v2. If I hear more, I'll update this post. Update: The final version of MED-V 2.0 is scheduled for release in the first quarter of calendar year 2011, a company spokesperson said.