Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) has been updated with not only support for Windows 8.1, but also new virtualization options for business users. MDOP is a suite of tools that includes virtualization, security and system management utilities, designed to make software deployment and management cheaper and easier.
Software Assurance customers can now benefit from virtualization of Office 2013 as well as the addition of Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) 5.0 R2 and User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) 2.0. These two tools allow for easier deployment and management of virtualized applications.
The idea behind the tools is to allow system administrators to install applications on a central server that can then be accessed from other machines. This helps to simplify the rollout of software as well as reducing admin costs.
With the ability to log into a personalized desktop from any connected computer, users can access their “own computer” from virtually anywhere, while the IT department has a far easier time managing security policy on a company-wide basis.
Anyone who already owns MDOP can download MDOP 2013 R2 from the Volume Licensing Service Center, and MSDN and TechNet paid subscribers can also download it from MSDN or TechNet.
Further reading: Windows 8.1
