New Intel® vPro™ Technology Enhances Security,
Adds Automatic Tune-Ups and Thinks for Itself
Third Generation Enables Virtualized PC Models, Services for Small Businesses
Intel Corporation today introduced its third-generation Intel® vPro™ suite of business desktop PC technologies, which
among other features enhances security and reduces the time and cost of maintenance by enabling PCs to literally think
and act for themselves. The new vPro Technology for desktop PCs also opens the door to new virtualized PC models and
products aimed at the special needs of small businesses.
The new Intel vPro Technology (formerly codenamed “McCreary”) combines the energy-efficient performance of Intel Core2
quad-core or dual-core processors with the new Intel Q45 Express Chipset and Intel 82567LM Gigabit Network Connection
along with Intel Active Management technology 5.0.
Among the new business-class technology innovations, this 2008 version for the first time extends IT organisations’
reach to protect and manage PCs beyond the corporate firewall. With the new Remote Alert feature, a suddenly ailing PC –
even one that is turned off – that is experiencing symptoms outside preset parameters can “call” for IT assistance on
its own.
Using the new Remote Scheduled Maintenance feature, IT administrators can program PCs for regular tune-ups that have PCs
automatically connecting to an IT management program for maintenance. With the new Fast Call for Help feature, the user
can get immediate assistance over an out-of-band link with a single keystroke, even if the computer is completely
crippled with a failed operating system or hard drive.
“Intel vPro Technology has been a win-win for the IT industry and high-tech industries, and each year we’ve unveiled
unique innovations to solve IT’s biggest challenges,” said Gregory Bryant, Intel vice president and general manager,
Digital Office Platform Division. “For 2008, vPro Technology continues to chop away at IT’s workload by automating such
repair and maintenance tasks as enabling an under-the-weather PC to call IT much like we might call a doctor when we’re
sick.”
In addition, for 2008 Intel beefed up access security with two new features. The new Access Monitor feature
comprehensively and more securely logs IT activity on systems, further closing the door on potential internal security
breaches. The platform also offers the first embedded technology to authenticate PCs using Microsoft* Network Access
Protection,* enabling protected out-of-band remote maintenance on Intel vPro-based systems.
New Small-Business Solutions Added
For the first time, Intel has molded Intel vPro Technology in a form to specifically fit the needs of small businesses,
those whose computer systems are likely managed by someone with no computer background at all. Designed for businesses
with less than 25 notebooks or desktop PCs, Intel IT Director offers a user-friendly “dashboard” that provides status on
key system settings and health parameters, capability to block connection to risky USB devices and a data back-up
feature that enables users to work seamlessly through hard-drive failures.
For small businesses which periodically need immediate help with PC problems, Intel unveiled Intel Remote PC Assist
Technology that connects those businesses with service providers that can assist at the push of a button. Once
connected, service providers can take full advantage of the out-of-band capabilities, and security and management
features of vPro Technology to solve problems remotely. For the service provider, Intel Remote PC Assist Technology
means enhanced service delivery, reduced operational costs and broader access to customers. Initially, Intel Remote PC
Assist will be available in North America, New Zealand and Australia.
Intel also introduced two motherboards supporting all of the new Intel vPro features. Aimed at channel customers, the
Intel Desktop Board DQ45CB is for standard-sized PCs and the Intel Desktop Board DQ45EK is for small- form-factor
systems.
Creating New Computing Models for Security, Manageability
Many IT organizations are looking to new application delivery technologies to strengthen security, improve management
and lower total cost of ownership. Dynamic Virtual Client technologies (DVC), Intel’s designation for a new group of
computing models, work in conjunction with Intel vPro Technology to centralize data security and application management
on a server, but “stream” applications on demand to a desktop or laptop PC where they run under the PCs own processing
power. In this way, DVC preserves user mobility and performance, simplifies IT management and security, and, unlike
thin-client models, does not require a large-scale burden on the datacenter. Citrix, Lenovo, and Microsoft recently
announced DVC products or programs that take advantage of Intel vPro technology.
ends