Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has released the first beta of the Windows 7 service pack 1 (SP1). The announcement over its availability was made on the first day of the Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) on Monday, though the software giant took pains to caution that this beta is meant for business users.

Indeed, the download page at TechNet--Microsoft's site for IT professionals--has a warning to emphasize that the Windows 7 SP1 beta does not give any new end-user features, and that its installation is not supported by Microsoft. Specifically, the statement noted: "This early release of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta is not available for home users."

This beta service pack also addresses Windows Server 2008 R2, thanks to its shared code base. On this front, SP1 will add features that greatly bolster its virtualization capabilities by bringing dynamic memory capabilities to Hyper-V virtual machines. This more efficient use of memory translates directly into the ability to host even more guest virtual machines, and will be much welcomed by IT administrators.

In addition, Windows 7 SP1 also comes with an updated Remote Desktop client for Microsoft's remote-access RemoteFX technology for Windows Server 2008 R2--also included in the update. RemoteFX brings advanced capabilities such as Windows Aero, video and 3D applications to virtual desktops. For now, Windows 7 SP1 Beta is available in English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish in 32- and 64-bit versions, and can be downloaded here.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at PCMag.com
- check out this article at Computerworld

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