Microsoft updates Windows deployment tool

Microsoft's Deployment Toolkit 2010 includes support for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2

Microsoft has updated its Deployment Toolkit 2010 software to support the latest version of its productivity suite, Office 2010.

The firm is calling the toolkit a "free Solution Accelerator" which provides tools and guidance when deploying Microsoft products.

Deployment Toolkit 2010 includes support for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2, along with Office 2010.

Microsoft said that the software will provide administrators with "a smooth and simple upgrade process" by using snapshots or images to deploy predetermined configurations to workstations.

The process saves administrators manually installing software on each workstation, and allows settings such as network configurations to be set centrally.

Interestingly, the toolkit still supports the deployment of older operating systems such as Windows XP, which is still popular especially given its relatively modest system requirements.

Microsoft is keen to stress that its Deployment Toolkit supports the migration of users from XP to its latest operating system, Windows 7.

There are also other bug fixes and "small enhancements" included in the update which, according to the firm, "offer something for everyone".

The toolkit also has improved driver compatibility checking to help lower post-deployment troubleshooting.

The Deployment Toolkit is freely available from Microsoft's web site in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.