One of the main goals of Microsoft Windows 7 is to go on the assault of companies:

And to do so Windows 7 is betting on words such as : administration, migration, protection, virtualization …. and this by defining some very operational tools specially dedicated to companies .

so let’s talk briefly about the 7 main features and try to understand the challenges of the new OS in terms of professional use.

Windows PowerShell 2.0

Windows 7 includes a kit of administration tools to automate, troubleshoot and configure workstations. Windows PowerShell 2.0 is based on writing, debugging and running scripts on the entire network or on multiple computers at once.

AppLocker:
the AppLocker function allows you to define a more flexible applications strategy than the similar function proposed on Windows Vista. The new mechanism allows managers to exercise tighter control over what can run on a workstation and this though actions such as blocking unauthorized software.

BranchCache
Windows 7 hosts BranchCache , a local cache the allows the employees of a subsidiary company to access a copy of the data (HTTP and SMB-CIFS) viewed from an Intranet or a file server. A system intended to improve the responsiveness of the network. There are two BranchCache modes: Cache hosted from a server running underWindows Server 2008 R2 or a Distributed Cache (based on desktop computers running under Windows 7).

DirectAccess

The employees of a company will no more need to use a VPN (virtual private network ) to access the company’s network. By activating the DirectAccess function available in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the network administrator will allow file sharing, access to the intranet and business applications for an employee even when he’s on business travel.

Migrating from Windows Vista to Windows 7

It is a commitment: Microsoft wants to maximize application compatibility between Windows Vista and Windows 7. The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack is supposed to facilitate the migration.

BitLocker

This function aims to build a line of defense to protect data on mobile terminals. Windows 7 proposes an extension of the scope BitLocker to devices such USB sticks and external drives (BitLocker To Go).under Windows Vista , BitLocker Drive Encryption was used only to protect sensitive data by preventing access to a computer stolen or lost.

Search

Windows 7 includes a new exploration technology called Enterprise Search. It is supposed to accelerate the search for multi-source data, stored locally or on the network. A library system brings together in one view the documents, presentations and images. (OpenSearch) allows to initiate research to several destinations from a single interface. The federated search results are presented in Windows Explorer.


Virtualization

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a virtualization technology that allows you to host a workstation on a virtual machine stored on a remote server. Main goal of the device: the user can access resources from any computer connected to Internet. But VDI also allows you to customize the environment and give individual access rights tailored to the needs.

a virtual XP in Windows 7

This is the icing on the cake of Windows 7:the “business” versions of the new OS includes a license to install the virtualization engine Windows Virtual PC and the Windows XP mode. To ensure the implementation of Windows XP applications.