The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) is a set of PC management utilities available on a subscription basis to organizations that have Software Assurance coverage for the Windows client OS. The most prominent component of the DOP, Application Virtualization, will speed testing and improve reliability of PC configurations, and the other DOP components fill important gaps in systems management for Windows PCs. However, organizations should carefully examine the product's licensing costs, which are hard to assess, and ensure they have enough PCs to benefit from the product's most important technologies; organizations that cover Windows on Enterprise Agreements are most likely to find value in the DOP.

This report provides an overview of the DOP 2008 R2 and its five current components (and previews a sixth component planned for 2009), explaining the primary benefits and requirements of each component, and briefly summarizes the product's licensing and pricing.

Sections in the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack Research Report:

Executive Summary

Overview of the five PC management utilities included in Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (DOP) 2008 R2, as well as a preview of a sixth component planned for 2009




Introduction

The Desktop Optimization Pack, a set of utilities sold with Software Assurance, simplifies PC management but will most appeal to large organizations




Application Virtualization May Simplify Desktop Support

Application virtualization may reduce desktop management costs, but only if costs of packaging and the infrastructure are kept under control




Asset Inventory Service Aids License Management

The Asset Inventory Service (AIS) inventories Microsoft and third-party software and helps reconcile the data with purchases made through Microsoft volume licensing programs




Desktop Pack Improves Group Policy

Advanced Group Policy Management gets support for Server 2008 and Vista, but will not work with earlier versions of Windows




Toolset Checks PC Health, Aids Recovery

The Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DART) helps diagnose and recover unbootable PCs




Monitoring Collects Desktop Errors

Desktop Error Monitoring, for centralized monitoring of OS crashes and unexpected application terminations, is now included as part of Microsoft's Desktop Optimization Pack




Pricing and Licensing

Outlines how organizations must license the Desktop Optimization Pack




Resources

Links to further information about the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack and its components

Sidebars, Illustrations & Charts:

• Sidebar: Enterprise Desktop Virtualization


Illustration: Application Virtualization


Sidebar: Other Types of Virtualization


Illustration: Asset Inventory Service Operation


• Illustration: Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset Console

This 20-page Report Contains [9,590 words]

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