When it comes to migrating to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the Microsoft Deployment Tookit 2010 (MDT) is one of the best tools an IT manager can possess.

What's so great about it? For starters, it can build media that will automatically migrate Windows XP machines to Windows 7--keeping user data, custom apps, and drivers intact along the way.

MDT 2010 first hit the streets last August, and yesterday Microsoft rolled out the RTM of MDT 2010 Update 1.

What's new in this cool tool? Nothing really major, but certainly some worthwhile improvements:

• A new User-Driven Installation (UDI) deployment method that utilizes System Center Configuration Manager. UDI lets end users initiate and customize an OS deployment on their PCs--via an easy-to-use wizard.


• Automatically detects the true supported platforms for drivers, reducing deployment issues.


• Support for Office 2010. Easily configure Office 2010 installation and deployment settings through the Deployment Workbench and integration with the Office Customization Tool.

Available for download immediately, MDT 2010 Update 1 still supports deployment of Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Office 2007--just in case you need to be able to support them during the deployment of Windows 7 and Office 2010.