As you may recall from a couple weeks back, Windows 7 is getting a feature called Windows XP Mode, which promises to allow older software to run in the new OS.

Of course, as we noted, Windows Vista already has similar capabilities in the form of Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization, or MED-V. Okay, but what are the differences between MED-V and XP Mode? Are they just the same tools with different titles?

The Windows for Your Business blog offers some clarification, starting with this: "Windows XP Mode is specifically designed to help small-business users to run their Windows XP applications on their Windows 7 desktop." It'll allow these apps to run from the Windows 7 Start menu, and it'll be available in Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise.

MED-V, on the other hand, is "designed for IT Professionals." And while it relies on the same core Virtual PC technology as Windows XP mode, it specifically enables Virtual PC deployment in large organization. Furthermore:

• MED-V provides centralized management, policy-based provisioning and virtual image delivery to reduce the cost of Virtual PC deployment.
• MED-V v1 builds on Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 to help enterprises with their upgrade to Windows Vista when applications are not yet compatible.
• MED-V v2 will add support for Windows 7 (both 32 bit and 64bit) and Windows Virtual PC.
• MED-V v2 beta will be available within 90 days of Windows 7 GA.

Sooooo! There's a MED-V v2 in the works. Interesting way to sneak in that announcement, guys. In any case, make sure to read the complete post, as it does a great job detailing MED-V from deployment, provisioning, control, and support perspectives.

And as we've noted before, we think MED-V effectively eliminates any concern over application compatibility, both for Windows Vista and Windows 7. It's one less barrier to contend with when migrating from XP.

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