Microsoft has released a beta version of Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualisation (MED-V), which enables firms to deploy and manage virtual machines running on Windows Vista client systems.

MED-V is based on technology acquired from virtualisation specialist Kidaro in 2008, and this beta is the first release from Microsoft since that time.

The full version is scheduled for the second quarter of 2009 as part of Microsoft's Desktop Optimisation Pack (MDOP).

The tool is principally designed to address compatibility issues in Windows Vista by letting IT managers deploy problem applications inside centrally managed virtual machines based on Microsoft's Virtual PC 2007.

One of the key features of Kidaro's technology is that it operates invisibly to end users, who simply launch the virtualised applications from the Start Menu or shortcuts exactly like a native application.

The release was announced by Ran Oelgiesser, senior product manager for MED-V, on Microsoft's official MDOP blog.

Oelgiesser said that MED-V 1.0 lets companies create, deliver and centrally manage virtual Windows XP or 2000 environments, and that there is "no need to wait for the testing and migration of those incompatible applications to complete".