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| CRBJ Home > September 2006 | |||||
vPro: The next generation of business PCsKen Doyle
With vPro technology, Intel has decided to focus on two areas that are especially appealing to business users: security and remote administration. These features are made possible by Intel's Active Manage-ment Technology (AMT) and Virtualization Technology (VT). Active Management Technology AMT is built into vPro hardware and includes three components. The first is a specialized, persistent memory chip where critical information can be stored so that it is inaccessible to users. However, authorized IT staff can access the data stored in this memory space as long as the PC is connected to power and is on the network. The next component of AMT uses a hardware communication channel that operates independently of the main operating system. This allows IT staff to access, control and reboot PCs even when they are powered off or the main operating system is damaged. Finally, AMT includes isolation hardware that can disconnect the PC's network communication pathways when a threat is detected, allowing an infected PC to be quickly quarantined. Virtualization Technology VT creates a protected environment that is isolated from the main "space" in which the PC's operating system and applications run. This protected environment is invisible to the PC's user but accessible to IT administrators. It runs its own operating system that is embedded into the chip, and it can be configured to run specialized applications, such as security software. Thanks to the protected environment, security software cannot be disabled by the user, or even by malicious software. Security software running in a virtual environment works hand-in-glove with AMT. For example, network traffic to and from the PC can be filtered for viruses and other threats before it reaches the operating system. If problems are detected, AMT comes into play -- the infected PCs can be quarantined while still maintaining an open channel to IT staff who can diagnose and fix the problem. Several major security vendors -- including Symantec, Trend Micro, and Computer Associates -- are developing products that are designed specifically for vPro systems. While the average PC user may not even notice the changes introduced by vPro technology, IT staff and administrators are likely to benefit substantially. vPro PCs will also be ready to run Windows Vista, which will allow a smoother transition for companies considering systemwide upgrades. Mobile users will have to wait a little longer -- at least until early next year, when Intel hopes to have vPro ready for notebooks. In time, it's likely that vPro technology will make its way into other PC market segments. Although there are other benefits (like reduced power consumption and improved multitasking) offered by the processors that Intel is using for vPro PCs, the potential for tighter security should be attractive to anyone who uses Windows. Ken Doyle is a principal consultant for Loquent LLC, a Madison-based company that offers technology training and consulting services. madison.com ©2009 Capital Newspapers. All rights reserved. |
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