New 2014 R2 version of Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack of Windows tools rolls out

Microsoft has made available to its Software Assurance users the latest version of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) bundle of Windows tools.

MDOP includes updated versions of a handful of Windows-management tools, including App-V (App Virtualization); UE-V (User Experience Virtualization); MBAM (Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring); AGPM (Advanced Group Policy Management); and DaRT (Diagnostics and Recovery toolset).

The primary focus of the latest MDOP release was App-V and UE-V, according to company officials. App-V is the tool for deploying software across a number of devices by allowing "anywhere access" to virtualized apps on PCs without requiring the app be installed directly on the machine. UE-V is for capturing and centralizing application and Windows setttings across users' devices without requiring them to reconfigure those settings when they change devices.

App-V 5.0 SP3, part of MDOP 2014 R2, adds updates around management, virtualized Office deployment and performance. UE-V 2.1 adds support for Windows credentials roaming; backup and restore of settings; support for external settings storage, including OneDrive for Business; and extensions to existing Office 2013 settings support.

Microsoft made available MDOP 2013 R2 at the end of last year and released MDOP 2014 in May 2014.