subject: What can IT pros do with Windows 7 [print this page] What can IT pros do with Windows 7 What can IT pros do with Windows 7
Make end users productive anywhere
Windows7 enables end users to be productive no matter where they are or where the data they need resides. They can work faster and with fewer interruptions because Windows7 improves performance and reliability. They do not have to look in multiple places to find information because a single search can examine a SharePoint site on a company intranet and files on their computers. With DirectAccess, mobile users are able to simply and securely access corporate resources when they are out of the office. Users in branch offices with slow connections can be more productive by using BranchCache in Windows7 to cache frequently accessed files and Web pages.
For more information about DirectAccess and BranchCache, see What's New in Networking, DirectAccess Technical Overview for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, and BranchCache in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Overview.
Enhance security and control
Windows7 builds on the security foundation of Windows Vista, delivering increased flexibility in securing computers and data. In addition to protecting internal computer hard disk drives, BitLocker Drive Encryption can encrypt external USB drives and hard disksand provide recovery keys so that the data is accessible when it is needed. For more information on BitLocker, see Windows 7 BitLocker Executive Overview. For enterprises that demand the highest levels of compliance, IT pros can use new application-blocking tools to dictate which applications are allowed to run on end user computers, providing another way to limit the risk of malicious software.
Streamline desktop management with the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack
Whether IT pros manage and deploy desktop computers, portable computers, or virtual environments, Windows7 makes the job easier while enabling them to use the same tools and skills they use with WindowsVista. Advanced image management and deployment tools enable IT pros to add, remove, and report on drivers, language packs, and updatesand deploy those system images to user computers by using less network bandwidth. New scripting and automation capabilities based on Windows PowerShell2.0 reduce the costs of managing and troubleshooting computers. For IT pros that use client virtualization, Windows7 helps them more easily maintain virtual machine images and provide a richer user experience over remote connections.
The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, which is updated at least once a year, completes the enterprise experience. By using Windows7 and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack together, enterprises can optimize their desktop infrastructure and gain the flexibility to address their unique business needs. Companies can quickly prepare to deploy Windows7 by immediately deploying WindowsVista and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. Customers who are already running Windows Vista will find that Windows7 delivers strong compatibility with WindowsVista software and devices, and that Windows7 can be managed with many of the same tools that they use to manage WindowsVista. Companies that are using the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack will have an even greater advantage when moving to Windows7 because they can more easily migrate settings and applications. For more information on the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, see Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP)
