High-Level Architecture
This section describes the high-level system architecture and component design of Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) 2.0.
System Architecture
MED-V enhances Windows Virtual PC to run two operating systems on one device, adding virtual image delivery, Group Policy-based provisioning, and centralized management. By using MED-V, you can easily configure, deploy, and manage corporate Windows Virtual PC images on any Windows-based desktop running Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Windows 7 Ultimate. The MED-V solution includes the following components:
MED-V Host A Windows 7 environment that includes a MED-V Host Agent, an electronic software distribution (ESD) system, a registry management system, and a MED-V guest. The MED-V host interacts with the MED-V guest so that certain setup functions and system information can be processed.
MED-V Host Agent The MED-V software contained in the MED-V host that provides a channel to communicate with the MED-V guest. It also provides functionality such as first time setup and application publishing.
Note After MED-V and its required components are installed MED-V must be configured. The configuration of MED-V is referred to as first time setup.
ESD System Your existing software distribution method that lets you deploy and install the MED-V workspace package files that MED-V creates.
Registry Management System Your existing method of managing Group Policy settings and preferences.
Windows Virtual PC Image An administrator-defined virtual machine that contains the following components:
Corporate Operating System Your standard corporate operating system.
Management and Security Tools Your standard management and security tools, such as virus protection.
MED-V Guest A Windows XP SP3 environment, as part of a Windows Virtual PC running on Windows 7 that contains the following components:
MED-V Guest Agent The MED-V software contained in the MED-V guest that provides a channel to communicate with the MED-V host. It also supports the MED-V Host Agent with functions like performing first time setup.
Note The MED-V Guest Agent is installed automatically during first time setup.
ESD Client An optional part of your ESD system that installs software packages and reports status to the ESD system.