Intel revamps vPro: allows virtualized pc models, auto tune-ups
Intel's latest generation vPro technology is comprised of the company's Core2 quad-core or dual-core processors with the Q45 Express Chipset and 82567LM Gigabit Network Connection along with Intel's Active Management Technology 5.0, according to Intel's Gregory Bryant, VP and general manager of Intel's digital office platform division.
By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor -- EDN, September 22, 2008
In an effort to open the door to virtualized PC models and products aimed at the special needs of small businesses, Santa Clara, Calif-based chip giant Intel Corp this morning rolled out its third-generation vPro business desktop PC technologies, which includes features for enhanced security and reduction of time and cost of maintenance.
Specifically, Intel’s Gregory Bryant (pictured left), VP and general manager of the company’s digital office platform division explained during a webcast today that Intel vPro Technology (formerly codenamed “McCreary”) combines the company’s Core2 quad-core or dual-core processors with the Q45 Express Chipset and 82567LM Gigabit Network Connection along with Intel’s Active Management technology 5.0.
In the area of security, vPro addresses attacks that are now very stealthy and motivated by financial gain, by financial gain and recognizes that time between vulnerability discovery and exploitation is shrinking, Bryant explained.
To address these concerns, Intel has beefed up access security with Access Monitor which comprehensively and more securely logs IT activity on systems, further closing the door on potential internal security breaches. The platform also contains embedded technology to authenticate PCs using Microsoft’s Network Access Protection that allows protected out-of-band remote maintenance on Intel vPro-based systems.
Next, in terms of energy issues, Intel said it is keenly aware that rising energy costs make power a significant IT expense and as such, “Green IT” is emerging as a major CIO objective. With its “Remote Schedule Maintenance,” PCs can be accessed for updating even when the power is off or the operating system is inoperable.
In one example, Bryant noted that the State of Indiana is saving 70% on energy costs by powering systems off during off hours without losing manageability. In addition, they estimate they are eliminating up to 80% of costly and time-consuming deskside visits, and believes it has reduced its CO2 emissions by 850,000 pounds.
Then, for enhanced manageability, since globalization and limited IT resources demand more centralized, automated processes, regulatory compliance is a key IT deliverable, Bryant said.
To this end, Intel’s “Fast Call for Help” allows a PC user to request immediate help via a keystroke from inside or outside the firewall to their remote IT console. With this feature, the user can get immediate assistance over an out-of-band link by entering a key sequence, even if the computer is completely crippled with a failed operating system or hard drive.
Also, a remote scheduled maintenance allows even remote PCs to get required patches, be inventoried, etc., by connecting to their IT console when it’s convenient. Using the remote scheduled maintenance feature, IT administrators can also program PCs for regular tune-ups that have PCs automatically connecting to an IT management program for maintenance.
And, a remote alert feature, allows 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.
Small business on Intel’s radar
Bryant pointed out that for the first time; Intel has adapted vPro to fit the needs of small businesses, those whose computer systems are likely managed by someone with no computer background. Designed for businesses with less than 25 notebooks or desktop PCs, Intel’s “IT Director” has a “dashboard” that provides status on key system settings and health parameters, the capability to block connection to risky USB devices and a data back-up feature that allows users to work through hard-drive failures.
And for small businesses that periodically need immediate help with PC problems, Intel disclosed Remote PC Assist technology that connects those businesses with service providers that can assist when an end-user enters a key sequence. 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.
Further, to support the new vPro features, Intel introduced two motherboards 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.
Finally, since many IT organizations are looking to new application delivery technologies to strengthen security, improve management and lower total cost of ownership, the company announced its Dynamic Virtual Client technologies (DVC), which are Intel’s designation for a new group of computing models that work with vPro. DVC centralizes data security and application management on a server, but “streams” applications on demand to a desktop or laptop PC where they run under the PCs own processing power.
In this way, Bryant concluded that 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.
