New Intel(R) vPro(TM) Processor Technology Fortifies Security for Business PCs

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Next Generation Product Offers New Features and Broader Vendor Support

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Intel Corporation (http://www.intel.com) today further reinforced desktop PC security by unveiling the newest generation of Intel(R) vPro(TM) (http://www.intel.com/vpro) processor technology for businesses and IT with new innovations that add better protection against hacking, viruses and other threats.

Intel vPro processor technology packages a powerful new Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo (http://www.intel.com/greatcomputing/index.htm) processor, Intel(R) Q35 Express chipset and several technology innovations offering a host of security and management capabilities for desktop PCs, including some that were previously impossible, such as the ability to wake and repair a computer with an inoperative operating system or hard drive. As a result, businesses can reduce costs by limiting expensive and time-consuming deskside visits, and by improving power savings through the ability to turn off PCs and securely wake them when required.

Security features included in this latest Intel vPro processor technology (formerly codenamed Weybridge) are designed to protect against software-based attacks and also filter and defend against viruses and other threats.

"Today, the business desktop PC just got more secure," said Robert B. Crooke (http://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/bios/crooke.htm), vice president and general manager of Intel's Business Client Group. "This generation of Intel vPro processor technology arrives with new security and management capabilities along with support from every leading PC manufacturer and software solution vendor in the world."

New in this product is Intel(R) Trusted Execution Technology (http://www.intel.com/technology/security/) (Intel(R) TXT, formerly codenamed LaGrande (http://www.intel.com/technology/security/)). Intel TXT protects data within virtualized computing environments, an important feature as IT managers are considering the adoption of new virtualization-enabled computer uses. Used in conjunction with a new generation of the company's virtualization technology - Intel(R) Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (http://www.intel.com/ technology/magazine/45nm/vtd-0507.htm?iid=search) (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) - Intel TXT ensures that virtual machine monitors are less vulnerable to attacks that cannot be detected by today's conventional software-security solutions. By isolating assigned memory through this hardware-based protection, it keeps data in each virtual partition protected from unauthorized access from software in another partition.

In addition, Intel enhanced its Intel vPro processor technology with improved System Defense Filters. These filters can identify greater numbers and varieties of threats in the network traffic flow.

The latest version of Intel vPro processor technology also offers an embedded trust agent, the first certified by Cisco, providing the industry's only 802.1x compatible manageability solution not dependent on OS-availability. This trust agent offers Cisco's IT customers the ability to manage systems, even if powered off or the OS is down, without lowering the security on 802.1x networks and Cisco(1) Self-Defending Network products.

Further boosting PC manageability is the newest generation of Intel Active Management Technology (http://www.intel.com/technology/ platform-technology/intel-amt/index.htm) (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) (Intel(R) AMT). Intel(R) AMT allows for inventory and repair PCs "out of band" - meaning even if the OS has crashed or the PC is turned off. Enhancements include convenient remote configuration tools and compliance with the latest industry standards. The company expects that PCs with this version of Intel vPro processor technology will be among the first to comply with the Distributed Management Task Force's DASH 1.0 draft interoperability specification and Web Services Management (WS-MAN).


    The new Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor and Intel(R) Q35 Express
chipset together will deliver improvements in energy-efficiency
through a combination of performance increases and reductions in power
consumption, thereby helping businesses support their own "Green IT"
objectives and Energy Star(1)
(http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller/
asmo-na/eng/products/337748.htm) (Due to its length, this URL may need
to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address
field.  Remove the extra space if one exists.) requirements. For the
highest-volume processor, the 2007 Intel vPro processor technology
delivers 30 percent greater performance than the previous-generation
product, while significantly reducing power consumption.

Major computer makers and channel resellers around the world are now selling desktop PCs with Intel vPro processor technology. Currently, more than 350 companies are deploying this technology worldwide ranging from the thousands to tens of thousands of PCs per business.

"Customers tell us that they want a partner that will help them simplify IT," said Vivek Mohindra, vice president, Dell Product Group. "The OptiPlex 755 has the most flexible systems management capabilities, including Intel vPro processor technology, to drive more efficiency so IT professionals can focus on innovation rather than system maintenance."

"Security and client management are top concerns for our customers' business," said Kevin Frost, Worldwide Vice President, HP Business PCs. "To address these customer demands, HP remains committed to supporting Intel vPro processor technology. Through providing its innovative capabilities on the industry's broadest portfolio of desktops and notebooks, HP is the leader in delivering secure and manageable vPro-enabled desktops."

"The new ThinkCentre M57 desktop combines Lenovo's innovative ThinkVantage Technologies with Intel vPro technology to provide a secure and manageable desktop that reduces the total cost of ownership," said Dilip Bhatia, executive director of Global Desktop Marketing, Lenovo. "Customers looking for a stable, secure and manageable PC will find our best-engineered desktop and notebook PCs simplify fleet management in any computing environment."

Businesses can also enjoy energy-efficient performance, PC security and manageability along with wireless mobility on notebook PCs with Intel(R) Centrino(R) Pro (http://www.intel.com/performance/mobile/centrinopro/) processor technology which started shipping in May.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

Intel, the Intel logo, "Intel. Leap ahead.," Intel vPro and Intel Centrino are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

(1) Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

No computer system can provide absolute security under all conditions. Intel(R) Trusted Execution Technology (Intel(R) TXT) requires a computer system with Intel(R) Virtualization Technology, an Intel TXT-enabled processor, chipset, BIOS, Authenticated Code Modules and an Intel TXT-compatible measured launched environment (MLE). The MLE could consist of a virtual machine monitor, an OS or an application. In addition, Intel TXT requires the system to contain a TPM v1.2, as defined by the Trusted Computing Group and specific software for some uses. Local laws and regulations may limit Intel TXT's availability in certain countries. For more information, see http://www.intel.com/technology/security.

Intel(R) Active Management Technology requires the computer system to have an Intel(R) AMT-enabled chipset, network hardware and software, as well as connection with a power source and a corporate network connection. With regard to notebooks, Intel AMT may not be available or certain capabilities may be limited over a host OS-based VPN or when connecting wirelessly, on battery power, sleeping, hibernating or powered off. For more information, see http://www.intel.com/technology/manage/iamt/.

ENERGY STAR denotes a system level energy specification, defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency, that relies upon all of the system's components, including processor, chipset, power supply, HDD, graphics controller and memory to meet the specification. For more information, see http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction= find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=CO. (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel products as measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of information to evaluate the performance of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on performance tests and on the performance of Intel products, visit Intel Performance Benchmark Limitations (http://www.intel.com/performance/resources/limits.htm).

Source: Intel Corporation

Released Aug 27, 2007 • 8:00 AM EDT