Intel Sixth-Generation vPro Processors Target Commercial Segment With Enhanced Security, Performance

In the "modern workplace," analysts say, employees are looking for a mixture of portability, style, security and performance in their new PCs -- and Intel's new sixth-generation Core vPro processors, which the company revealed Tuesday, are aiming to provide just that.

The new sixth-generation Core vPro processors, built for desktops, 2-in-1s and ultrabooks in the commercial segment, offer 2.5 times the performance, three times the battery life and a 30-times increase in graphics performance over a 5-year-old system, according to Intel.

"Millennials are opting not to work at places where they don't have the right tools, and are moving around, and blurring the line between work and home life," said Patrick Moorhead, president and principal analyst of analyst firm Moor Insights & Strategy, Austin, Texas. "PCs in this environment need to be thin, light and attractive, as well as high-performance. For the first time, the industry is seeing these high-quality, responsive and attractive machines."

[Related: Intel CEO Bullish On Q4 Data Center, IoT Investments Despite PC Struggles]

Intel's Core vPro and Core M vPro processors focus specifically on hardware-enhanced security for the enterprise. In addition to enhanced performance and graphics, these processors tout the Intel Authenticate Solution, which is a hardware-enhanced multifactor authentication solution designed to strengthen identity protection on the PC, making computers less vulnerable to identity and security credential attacks.

Through the Authenticate Solution, which is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10, employees no longer need to employ passwords to gain access to their PCs.

This solution works by using three factors simultaneously -- something users know, like a personal identification number; something they have, such as a mobile phone; and something they "are," like a fingerprint.

"Intel and nearly every major player in the PC and mobile computing space have lots to be proud of this week. ... The new vPro processor family brings huge leaps forward in power, speed, battery utilization and graphics capabilities from Intel," said Douglas Grosfield, president and CEO of Five Nines IT Solutions, a Kitchener, Ontario-based MSP. "The multifactor authentication capabilities in the hardware-enhanced Intel Authenticate means IT departments can enforce security an order of magnitude more effectively than previously possible."

The vPro chips will also be in Intel's Compute Stick, which transforms monitors and televisions into personal computers by plugging into an HDMI port. The new Compute Stick version will ship next month, starting at $399, according to Intel.

According to Intel, companies like Acer, Asus, Dell, Lenovo, HP and Panasonic will release enterprise-ready devices featuring the new Intel processors.

PUBLISHED JAN. 19, 2016