Why VPro Means Business

VPro consists of a set of Intel technologies designed to make a better business platform. According to Intel, the technologies help to enhance manageability, security, energy efficiency and reliability.

In order for a system or motherboard to bear the vPro logo, it must contain an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, an Intel Q965 chipset, an Intel Gigabit NIC and special Intel firmware. The only boxed Intel motherboard to support vPro in the channel right now is the Q965GF, but you can expect that other motherboards soon will qualify for the vPro logo.

Of all the claims, custom-system solution providers seem most excited about the improved manageability. That's because vPro motherboards with the Intel Active Management Technology feature nonvolatile memory used to store encrypted vPro management firmware and other information.

The firmware runs independent of the operating system, even if the system is turned off. This provides an out-of-band communication channel for authorized IT personnel. Access to the firmware is restricted to unauthorized users.

"VPro extends our managed services offerings," said Chris Thorsen, vice president product development at Paragon Development Systems, a solution provider and system builder in Oconomowoc, Wis. "Our remote management services used to focus on servers, but vPro lets us reach into desktop systems as well."

The nonvolatile memory also is used to store asset information so that IT managers can inventory hardware and software assets, read event logs, check BIOS and security settings and so on at any time. Once plugged into a power source and connected to the network, new PCs can be polled without having to install any software. Systems also can be booted remotely.

The vPro technology works with most third-party management solutions, including HP OpenView, Atos Origin, EDS and Siemens.

Next: More benefits from vPro