Another quarter, another release! I’m happy to share the news that Mirage 5.5 is now generally available. This release is packed with updates that enterprises can enjoy, including new ways to control layer updates, endpoint provisioning, more APIs, and web console enhancements. Let’s take a look at the major updates in this release. For more information, please read the release notes.
In this release, we wanted to focus on ways to enable image management with minimal impact on users. So, we started off by including a new self-service, local provisioning feature that allows provisioning of a device without needing to access a central location or Mirage Management Console. Branch PC technicians or administrators can provision new laptops and desktops directly from their device, without having to interface back to a central location. The local device boots with a small WinPE image that includes an embedded browser, which provides faster device provisioning.
Mirage 5.5 includes more control options around downloads and bandwidth. IT can specify base and app layers to be downloaded and actually updated at a future time. This can help with applying patches or updates during off-peak hours or other maintenance periods. IT admins can also specify bandwidth limitation rules for certain times and days. This added control can help limit network flooding of uploads and downloads according to IT specification.
POS (point of sale or point of service) device management was introduced in Mirage a couple of releases ago. We continue to enhance support for POS device management by introducing bare-metal provisioning for POSReady 2009 OS. More API and PowerCLI commands are also available in this release. For example, there are new API and PowerCLI calls to support base and app layer updates and downloads. Finally, enhancements to the web console continue to be made. Administrators can now configure the following general settings using the Mirage Web console:
- View and edit Mirage licenses
- Import USMT
- File portal settings
- CVD auto-create
- Gateway authentication
You can download Mirage 5.5 on my.vmware.com or to try a free trial, visit the Mirage product page. For more information on Mirage, please visit us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or discuss in our Communities. Until next time!
