Intel hails launch of more secure vPro technology

Chip manufacturer claims latest offering will allow businesses to reduce IT costs

Intel has promised more secure business PCs with the rollout of the latest generation of its vPro processor technology.
Claiming better PC protection for firms from hacking and viruses, the new vPro offering comprises Intel’s Core 2 Duo processor, the Q35 Express chipset plus technology security and management tools.
The firm said the features will allow IT staff to wake and repair a computer with a downed operating system or hard drive. Such features will allow firms to reduce IT costs by limiting desk-side visits and power savings will be possible since PCs can be turned off and rebooted remotely.
The new vPro solution promises 30 per cent greater performance than the last-generation product and consumes less power.
Robert Crooke, vice president and general manager of Intel’s business client group, said: “Today, the business desktop PC just got more secure. 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.”
One of the key features in vPro is Intel’s trusted execution technology, codenamed LeGrande. The new system defence filters in the vPro processors can identify greater numbers of threats in the network traffic flow while the processors are the first to use an embedded trust agent certified by Cisco. This agent will allow Cisco IT managers to manage PCs that are powered down or where the operating system has crashed.
VPro uses the latest version of Intel Active Management Technology (AMT), which allows for PC repair when it is off or has crashed. Enhancements include remote configuration tools and compliance with the latest industry standards, including the Distributed Management Task Force’s Dash 1.0 draft interoperability specification and Web Services Management.
Kevin Frost, worldwide vice president of HP Business PCs, said: “Security and client management are top concerns for our customers’ business. 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.”
Dilip Bhatia, executive director of global desktop marketing at Lenovo, added: “The new ThinkCentre M57 desktop combines our innovative ThinkVantage Technologies with Intel vPro technology to provide a secure and manageable desktop that reduces the total cost of ownership.”
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