vista desktop group policy

I have a network of mainly XP Pro PCs running in an Active Directory (Windows 2003 Server) environment.
Users desktops are defined by group policy (and active desktop) to provide a 'coporate' look across the network. The default login screen for each PC is also set by a group policy screen (depending on the location) by setting the registry key HKEY_USERS\.Default\Control Panel\Desktop\Wallpaper.
Some users also receive reminders and links to Email etc on their desktop by using a desktop created on a local Web server using HTML and ASP onto their active desktop (again set by group policy)
My question is , with Vista removing Active Desktop, does this mean I now have no way at all of 'pushing' out a coporate desktop and using active content? I've looked into the sidebar and gadgets which doesn't work with ASP content and doesn't allow control over desktops.
I know Active Desktop was disliked, but in a networked environment it was ideal for setting a fixed desktop and preventing users from changing it. Active Desktop has been supported since Windows 98 and its frustrating that it has completely disappeared with Vista!