Microsoft has recently announced their Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) for 2014. The kit comprises of an array of useful tools for encrypting, publishing and policy enforcing at the workplace.
Included in the pack is their BitLocker Administration tool, that provides a “substantial update for our BitLocker management solution”. The update also includes how-to guides that aim to educate customers on how to use the feature rich download.
The article states what is included in the latest MDOP pack:
- Enhanced support for FIPS 140-2. For the very first time, MBAM now includes support for organizations that must adhere to Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS). MBAM 2.5 takes advantage of Windows 8.1’s new FIPS-compliant recovery key password or the Data Recovery Agent (DRA) protector, a capability also supported for Windows 7 devices.
- Improved compliance and enforcement policies. MBAM 2.5 gives IT greater control with the ability to better enforce compliance with company policies. While the previous version gave IT the ability to drive devices into a complaint state, IT lacked the ability control or enforce the encryption process as users had the ability to postpone the process. MBAM 2.5 now includes automatic encryption enforcement, provides grace periods for encryption postponement, and it can now enforce the use of strong PINs (i.e. prevents the use of 1234 or 1111).
- Support for enterprise scenarios and topologies. MBAM can now be deployed on Windows Server in a high availability configuration. MBAM supports load balancing of its web components, and its databases can be deployed to SQL Server failover clusters.
The download is available exclusively to those who are registered as part of the Software Assurance scheme, which aims to help customers utilize all features included with Windows. For those unaware of the paid subscription, visit the Microsoft Software Assurance for Volume Licensing page.
But don"t be put off by this particular subscription-only release, other software including Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite allows device management and interaction within a corporate environment, and other free downloads consumers can utilize to help out with security and optimization. Check out Microsoft Security Essentials for free basic anti-virus protection, as well as ensuring you have all the latest updates to avoid any nasty surprises.
Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack 2014 can be found here.
Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite can be found here.
Source: Microsoft | Image via Schneider.im