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 OS

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.

See Also