Yesterday the Microsoft Deployment Team announced on their blog the availability of the Release Candidate for the newest version of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit – MDT 2010.
“Where do I get it?”
You get it on the Connect site (connect.microsoft.com). Specifically:
https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=14
“What’s new?”
This is the version of the MDT that will support Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 deployment. Also mentioned on the connect site, “flexible driver management, optimized transaction process, and access to distribution shares from any location to simplify deployment and make your job easier.”
“Sounds good? But what will this product cost when it’s released?”
Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero. Absolutely FREE.
UPDATE: “When will it be officially released?”
I just heard that the only thing we can say publically is that we’re shooting for late September.
“This year?”
Of course. And shut up.
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Have you used the MDT yet? Have you got a light-touch deployment created? How about zero-touch?
Absolutely Full of I.T. 
I’ve been testing Windows 7 since January and am very pleased with the results. It’s fast, reliable, and clean from a UI perspective. Now that it’s time to deploy Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 across the company I’ve been working with the MDT and all I can say is WOW finally a deployment tool that does most of the work without setting up from scratch. I know most of this was available in the 2008 version but this really is a big leap forward and although the software stays safely on my desktop the deployment share is on the server available for everyone who needs it…
Now what I’m looking for is a walk through that takes me through customizing the WinPE not with the usual additions but with changes like ‘IT Company’ on the progress bar becoming ‘My Company’ then deploying a desktop with similar branding in the WinRE so that we can impress our clients with the attention to detail. But without running through endless documentation which although great as a reference is slow going when it comes to getting the job done.
I also want to install as many of our applications as possible without to much intervention.
Still as I’m keeping note while plodding through if I don’t find one I may just write it…
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