Microsoft has released two blog posts discussing part of its desktop virtualization strategy for businesses.
Both blogs talk about User State Virtualization (USV), which separates the user’s data and settings from the physical device and replicates it centrally, enabling user mobility and fast recovery of data in the event that a device is lost. This offering is extremely helpful for IT professionals so they can deliver the user’s personalized Windows experience to any Windows desktop when they log on physically or virtually. Features include:
- Roaming Profiles reflect the users choices in personalization even if they have to use a different PC than they are used to. By replicating my Windows settings to a server I could recreate my Windows anywhere. The user logs into any PC and it shows their familiar setup, which increases user satisfaction even on shared devices.
- Folder redirection replicates user data to a shared network location. This ensures that there is a copy and it is always available to me. It also simplifies the users upgrade to Windows 7 since IT no longer needs to migrate all the local data to the new device. When the user logs into any Windows 7 desktop with corporate access, their data is instantly available.
- Offline folders let me keep everything local in the event I have to jump on a plane, work on a train, or take a taxi ride to the next customer visit. The user has flexibility while feeling confident that they have replicated their data to a shared location for safe keeping.
Here are the posts:
User State Virtualization: What is it and how will it help you deliver a dynamic and personal Windows Experience? - How customers can get USV, with some helpful resources.
Building a User State Virtualization Plan - Focused on the technical IT pro audience and takes a deeper look at USV and how it has changed with Windows 7.