IT Resource

Microsoft are releasing more snippets of information about the forthcoming Window 7 edition. Here are a few of the promised highlights that relate to IT professionals:

Manageability

• Windows 7 will extend the reach of what Group Policy can manage, and how settings are applied to specific users or computers, including non-GP aware components.
• Windows 7 will introduce DirectAccess, a capability that allows IT to manage and update internet-connected remote PCs, even when they are off the corporate network, while giving mobile users seamless secure connectivity while on the road without having to open a VPN connection.
• The new Powershell v2 and its graphical editor will help automate repetitive tasks with minimal scripting expertise required.

Security and Compliance

• Windows 7 will provide customisable User Account Control (UAC) that allows IT to “tune” the UAC feature based on their environment.
• For data protection, Windows 7 introduces BitLocker To Go, extending encryption to removable drives. This feature gives greater control over information leaving the corporation, as well as protecting lost or stolen USB drives.
• Windows 7 will also allow greater control of access to specific applications by specific users

Deployment

In Windows 7, system image creation and deployment is enhanced with advances such as Dynamic Driver provisioning, the Deployment Image Service and Management tool, Multicast Multiple Stream Transfer, and improvements to user state migration.