Microsoft improves virtual desktops but drops inventory software

Microsoft is expanding its desktop virtualisation product family with software that retains user preferences as they switch between devices.

The User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) product has been released as a beta version. It is a completely new product for Microsoft. 

“UE-V supports more than one device," said Karri Alexion-Tiernan, director of Windows and Windows Live division, product marketing. "Many users configure applications on their desktop devices, but they may also access applications via a [virtual PC] desktop. With UE-V we can deliver the same experience in both environments.”

In a Microsoft blog post she noted: “By implementing UE-V, IT departments can enable a consistent experience for users who have multiple devices provided by their company or choose to bring their personal PC or tablet to work. Now users can change their device and keep their experience without reconfiguring applications each time they log in to Windows 7 or Windows 8.”

Along with UE-V, Microsoft unveiled an update to its App-V virtualisation platform. Alexion-Tiernan wrote in the Microsoft blog: “App-V 5.0 allows applications to be stored and managed centrally and streamed to users on-demand.”

She revealed Microsoft would discontinue its Asset Inventory Service (AIS), a component of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Package suite, from 3 April 2013. “AIS is a standalone product for inventory. We found customers prefer using Microsoft System Center instead,” she said.