Microsoft has kicked Windows Vista deployment up a notch with the release of the final version of the Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007. Labeled Microsoft Deployment, the download delivers a comprehensive toolset and the recommended process designed to streamline the automation of deployment scenarios both on the client and on the server side. But Microsoft Deployment is not focused exclusively on Windows Vista. While the Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of the operating system (both 32- and 64-bit SKUs) are the products at the center of the Microsoft Deployment technology, the Redmond company also offers assistance for Office Professional, Professional Plus, Enterprise, and Ultimate 2007, Windows Server 2003 R2 (32- and 64-bit); Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (32- and 64-bit) or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition; and the pre-release versions of Windows Server 2008 (32- and 64-bit) formerly codenamed Longhorn.

"Microsoft Deployment unifies the tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment into a common deployment console and collection of guidance. The fourth generation deployment accelerator adds integration with recently released Microsoft deployment technologies to create a single path for image creation and automated installation. Microsoft Deployment's tools and end-to-end guidance reduce deployment time, standardize desktop and server images, limit service disruptions, reduce post-deployment help desk costs, and improve security and ongoing configuration management", reads a fragment of the company's overview of Microsoft Deployment.

Microsoft Deployment comes in two flavors, destined fort both x86 and x64 architectures. However, no matter the actual hardware, the Solution Accelerator will support component installation for both 32-bit and 64-bit products. Microsoft Deployment evolved rapidly through its final steps of development. In mid September, Microsoft was delivering Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 Deployment 4 Beta 3, only to make available the first Release Candidate through Connect at the end of October.

"Microsoft Deployment technologies eliminate interaction time required to install desktop and server operating systems. Interaction at the targeted computer may take a few moments using the Lite Touch Installation (LTI) method or it can be completely automated using Zero Touch Installation (ZTI). Zero Touch Installation utilizes Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 or Systems Management Server 2003 with the Operating System Deployment Feature Pack. Lite Touch Installation can be used when software distribution tools are not in place", Microsoft added.