TechNet Flash, Volume 12, Issue 6 - March 24, 2010
TechNet Flash Editor's Note from Mitch Irsfeld

Preview of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Updates

Microsoft last week revealed two new desktop virtualization features that will be included in the upcoming Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 and an updated Remote Desktop client for Windows 7 SP1. For Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Microsoft announced Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX. Dynamic Memory is an enhancement to Hyper-V in R2 and allows IT administrators to pool all the memory available on a physical host and dynamically distribute it to virtual machines running on that host as necessary. Get a deeper look at Dynamic Memory.

RemoteFX is the latest addition to Microsoft's desktop virtualization stack. It functions independently of any graphics stack and supports any screen content, including rich content like Silverlight or Flash. RemoteFX works on a wide array of target devices, including both thick- and thin-client hosts and a wide variety of network configurations. Get more information on RemoteFX.

The Remote Desktop client in Windows 7 SP1 will take advantage of RemoteFX.

Update to Windows XP Mode Eliminates Hardware Virtualization Requirement
Microsoft also announced that Windows XP Mode will no longer require hardware virtualization technology to run, making it easier for small and mid-size businesses that want to upgrade to Windows 7 but still have applications that require Windows XP. Windows XP Mode will continue to use hardware virtualization technology when available.

More on Identity Management
In his blog, Alan Le Marquand looks at another side of Forefront Identity Manager 2010 - self-service management - particularly two main areas: password reset and group management. Discover how self-service capabilities in FIM 2010 can reduce helpdesk calls.

Microsoft TechEd North America 2010, June 7-10, New Orleans, LAThinking about Tech·Ed this year? The session catalog is now live, and you can search it by technology or one of the 21 technical tracks like Virtualization, Office & SharePoint, Windows Server, Security, and Identity & Access. You can also submit a Birds-of-a-Feather session, find out how to save 50% on certification testing on-site, begin engaging with other Tech·Ed enthusiasts, and find New Orleans attendee specials. Visit the site for all the details and to register.

Finally, the Windows Server team could use your help as they endeavor to deliver solutions that are more relevant for you. Give your candid feedback by answering just three short questions. Let them know about deployment scenarios that are causing you pain, or any tasks or configurations that are tough to find guidance on. Let them know what you want explained better in their documentation.

Thanks for reading,

Mitch Irsfeld
Editor, TechNet Flash

Subscribe to the TechNet Flash Feed blog for news updates as they happen, often several times a day.