Intel "vPro" business desktops arrive

Stressed out IT managers may get some help with the availability of PCs based on Intel's "vPro" platform. The computers, part of the firm's professional business platform, use the Q965 chipset that not only integrate virtualization, but also Intel's second generation Active Management Technology with a circuit breaker support.

vPro is only available for the recently launched Intel Core 2 Duo processor and specifically aims to provide features Intel for corporate environments. Using virtualization, the dual-core system can easily run multiple operating systems with their own virus scanners and diagnostic tools. AMT allows IT staff to automate the maintenance of individual desktop computers.

Intel officials demonstrated a beta version of vPro to TG Daily a few months ago at the firm's qualification labs in Oregon. Employees showed off the remote control features which can turn off and diagnose problems. Since the technology runs at the chipset level, it does not require an actively runninf operating system.

One of the more interesting features of vPro is the ability to shunt network traffic if a virus or Trojan horse is detected. The chipset can create a virtual network connection and send all traffic through that connection, rather than the corporate network. This could prevent viruses from spreading via email or network shares. Computers can then be directed to a patch server that contains new virus definitions or operating system updates.

Intel believes that vPro can cut IT costs for small to large businesses by letting tech staff resolve most problems remotely. Traditionally, technical support staff had to visit computer users and then wait for them to save documents and shut down programs, something that can consume valuable time for even the simplest of problems.

Intel said that it will introduce vPro support for laptops sometime next year.