Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool Updated to Version 2.1

Microsoft has updated its Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool from version 2.0 to 2.1, in a move designed to completely replace the old iteration of the resource, but also to align it with the latest product releases from the company. According to the Redmond company, the solution accelerator can now be used in conjunction with the following products: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2, System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP2, and Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP2. In addition, Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool 2.1 has been adapted to the latest Windows client and server releases, and comes with update support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

“This Solution Accelerator provides automated tools and guidance that IT professionals can use to update offline virtual machines efficiently and without exposing them to security risks,” Microsoft explained. “The Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool combines the Windows Workflow programming model with the Windows PowerShell interface to bring groups of virtual machines online just long enough for them to receive updates from either System Center Configuration Manager 2007 or Windows Server Update Services. As soon as the virtual machines are up-to-date, the tool returns them to the offline state in the Virtual Machine Manager library.”

In IT infrastructures around the world companies will shut down unused virtual machines, but VMs that are kept offline for prolonged periods of time can subsequently pose security risks when they are switched back on. This because offline VMs are not automatically updated with platform, antivirus, or application refreshes, including security patches. Microsoft has always urged customers to ensure that all software is kept up to date in order to conform to IT policy, but also ensure that the IT environment is safe.

In these scenarios, companies can turn to the Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool in order to maintain virtual machines. The only condition for this to work is that the VMs need to be stored offline in a Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager library.

Microsoft notes that “this Solution Accelerator includes the following components:

- Brief Overview. Available online only on Microsoft TechNet. Summary for business and technical managers that briefly explains how this Solution Accelerator can fit into an organization’s IT infrastructure management strategy.
- OfflineVMServicing_x64 and OfflineVMServicing_x86. Setup files for the tool, for 64 bit and 32 bit versions of Windows with Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) 2008 or 2008 R2.
- Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool Getting Started Guide. Provides information about how the tool works, explains prerequisites for the tool, and describes how to install and configure the tool.
- Offline_VM_Servicing_Tool_2.1_Release_Notes.rtf. Notes provide information about this release, describe known issues in the tool, and include feedback instructions.
- Offline_Virtual_Machine_Servicing_Tool_Help. Help file for the tool. Provides instructions for using the tool.”

Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool 2.1 is available for download here.