Microsoft has released the second trial version of a toolkit that's designed to ease installation of its new Windows 7 operating system, as well as Windows Server 2008, R2.

Windows 7 screen shot
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The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) Beta 2 is designed to help enterprises manage a number of tasks related to the installation of a new OS.

Among other things, it ensures that compatible drivers are in place, standardizes desktop images, and eases automated deployment through a connection with System Center Configuration Manager 2007.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit also features a graphic interface with a number of drag-and-drop tools for folder management and other functions.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are slated to be available in late October.

"As you prepare to deploy these operating systems, get a jump start with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Beta 2. Leverage this Solution Accelerator to achieve efficient, cost-effective deployment of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2," said Microsoft's Stephen Rose, in a blog post Wednesday announcing the release.

"MDT 2010 will support deployment of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in addition to deployment of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP. Join the beta now!" said Rose, who didn't state when a final version would be available.

The toolkit can be downloaded from Microsoft's Connect Web site.

Windows 7 Release Candidate, currently available as a download, will function until June 1, 2010. After that, users will need to upgrade to a full, paid version of the operating system to continue use. Microsoft plans to ship a final version of Windows 7 on Oct. 22nd.

InformationWeek has published an indepth report on Windows 7. Download the report here (registration required).