New Intel® vPro™ Technology Enhances Security, Adds Automatic Tune-Ups and Thinks for Itself

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 22, 2008 - Intel Corporation
<http://www.intel.com> 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® Core™2 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 organizations' 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 by entering a key sequence, 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 that trend, automating repair and
maintenance functions to not only free IT professionals' time, but
rapidly accelerate the time it takes to get end users up and running."
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 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.
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.
Intel [NASDAQ: INTC], 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.

 

Released Sep 23, 2008 • 12:00 AM EDT