Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Beta 1

The next version of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit—version 2012— is now available for beta download. To participate, register for MDT 2012 Beta 1 at Microsoft Connect.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012 Beta 1 rides the next wave of System Center releases with support for System Center Configuration Manager 2012. For Lite Touch installations, MDT 2012 improves the overall client-side user experience, while also providing behind-the-scenes enhancements for partitioning, UEFI, and user state migration. These features, combined with many small enhancements, bug fixes, and a smooth and simple upgrade process, make MDT 2012 Beta 1 more reliable and flexible than ever.

Key benefits include:

· Fully leverages the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment

· Improved Lite Touch user experience and functionality

· A smooth and simple upgrade process for all existing MDT users

New features include:

For System Center Configuration Manager customers:

· Support for Configuration Manager 2012 (while still supporting Configuration Manager 2007)

For Lite Touch Installation:

· More flexible partitioning

· Enhanced client-side user experience

· Integrated UEFI deployment capabilities

· New “Deploy to VHD” scenario

For all customers:

· Improved user state migration process

· Many small enhancements and bug fixes

Tell the MDT team what you think! To participate in the MDT 2012 Beta 1 program, download and test the tool in your environment and then provide timely feedback and suggestions to our development team. MDT 2012 Beta 1 runs through August 2011. Please submit your feedback through Connect and direct any support questions you may have to satfdbk@microsoft.com. Thank you for taking the time to help us improve the MDT product feature and functions. Your time and assistance are much appreciated.

Next steps:

· Join MDT 2012 Beta 1 and tell the MDT team what you think!

· Help spread the word—share the beta invitation link with your friends.

· Send your comments to the MDT Team.

· Learn more about the MDT.

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