Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit 3.1 Beta

As Microsoft continues its virtualization journey, one of the valuable tools that they provide virtualization consumers is the free Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit. And now, the toolkit is being upgraded to Version 3.1 -- currently in beta.

Microsoft describes the toolkit as an integrated platform with tools and guidance that make it easier for you to assess your current IT infrastructure and determine the right Microsoft technologies for your IT needs. It offers easy inventory, powerful assessment, and actionable recommendations for Windows Server 2008, Windows Server Hyper-V, Virtual Server 2005 R2, Microsoft Application Virtualization (formerly SoftGrid), System Center Virtual Machine Manager, Windows Vista, 2007 Microsoft Office, and SQL Server.

The toolkit is designed to be an automation tool that helps IT professionals and consultants establish a clearer understanding of their infrastructure, desktop, and virtualization needs through networkwide assessment of their assets including desktops, laptops, servers, applications, and network devices. It then provides actionable recommendations through an auto-generated migration proposal report.

Version 3.1 adds 64-bit support for the MAP inventory machine, and it also adds Hyper-V server virtualization assessment support.

If you have a Live ID, sign up for the MAP Toolkit 3.1 Beta program.

Posted by David Marshall on June 16, 2008 11:12 AM