AMD has announced support for Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1), featuring Microsoft RemoteFX with ATI FirePro professional graphics.

Microsoft RemoteFX is a feature of Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.

Remote Desktop Services allow IT managers to centrally deploy and manage desktops and applications for remote users, while keeping the data secure on servers in the data center.

AMD said Microsoft RemoteFX, supported by ATI FirePro professional graphics, enhances the end-user experience for Remote Desktop Services and enables users to access a media-rich Windows 7 desktop in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environment, from a broad range of client devices.

With Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, a single, virtualized graphics processing unit on the Remote Desktop Virtualization Host can give multiple VDI users a rich desktop experience that is like a local Windows 7 desktop experience.

Hardware-assisted graphics acceleration with RemoteFX enables a full-fidelity virtual desktop experience, including support for 3D applications, portable graphics content such as Microsoft Silverlight, Windows Aero and more.

AMD Professional Graphics general manager Janet Matsuda said IT managers have been demanding virtualization of graphics, and Microsoft RemoteFX combined with ATI FirePro professional graphics delivers this capability for desktop applications.

"These workplace professionals can access rich media, including full-motion video, on connected remote devices such as thin clients," Matsuda said.