Microsoft has released a new version of a tool designed to let enterprise IT staffers automate and manage large-scale deployments of Microsoft OSes, desktop applications, and server software.
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 (MDT), which is now available for download, can be used to monitor and roll out to large numbers of end user products like Windows 7, Office 2010, Office 365, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP.
[ Windows 8 is coming, and InfoWorld can help you get ready with the Windows 8 Deep Dive PDF special report, which explains Microsoft's bold new direction for Windows, the new Metro interface for tablet and desktop apps, the transition from Windows 7, and more. | Stay abreast of key Microsoft technologies in our Technology: Microsoft newsletter. ]
MDT 2012 can also be used to deploy in test environments the beta versions of Windows 8 and of Windows Server 8, which was officially renamed Windows Server 2012 recently.
With MDT 2012, IT departments can also let end users initiate and customize software installs on their computers using System Center Configuration Manager 2012.
The product can also be integrated with the Microsoft Security Compliance Manager for added deployment security.
Juan Carlos Perez covers enterprise communication/collaboration suites, operating systems, browsers and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Juan on Twitter at @JuanCPerezIDG.