Can it save my business money?
HEXUS: Continuing the small-business theme and taking stock of the features offered by Intel's vPro technology, especially the remote-management features, does it then make sense to outsource all network-related problems to a managed service provider (MSP) rather than keep expensive on-site staff on call?
DH: That's an interesting concept that's beginning to take off. The idea that you can sell an Intel vPro-certified PC with AMT to a small business and also bundle it with a support package from a MSP who can hook up to the AMT-equipped PC(s) via the Internet and an appropriate gateway. With Intel's vPro technology, as we have discussed, it will allow the MSP to poll all connected PCs, diagnose and, to some extent, repair any damage that's identified. Software-wise, the MSP could even load a verified image from a server if the client PC fails to boot correctly.
HEXUS: Thinking of security again, if one of my PCs on the network was to be infected with a virus, could Intel's vPro technology help?
DH: Absolutely. Intel's vPro technology has a feature called System Defense. It's hardware-level isolation and firewalling of any PC on the network. The management engine on the chipset's embedded processor can be programmed to control the network access granted to the infected PC, from complete isolation to port throttling. This action can be triggered manually by the PC's anti-virus program or automatically if a particular threat was diagnosed.
HEXUS: How can Intel's vPro technology save me money, other than outsourcing my support to a managed service provider?
DH: Studies such as Gartner's have shown that 89 per cent of the I.T. budget in a typical company is spent on maintaining existing PCs. Therefore only 11 per cent is spent on innovation, that is, in introducing new tools and technologies. Of that 89 per cent spent on maintenance, the vast majority is spent on physical deskside visits, be it in the building, or in extreme cases, to a different country altogether. With Intel's AMT technology, a pre-requisite for vPro certification, diagnoses can be undertaken down the wire, meaning huge savings for companies, be they large or small.
HEXUS: Speaking from a cost perspective, as long as my PC has the constituent parts that make up Intel's vPro platform - a Core 2 Duo processor, Q965 chipset, and Intel 82566DM Gigabit Ethernet Controller - it doesn't cost my business any extra outlay?
DH: No. Intel launched vPro-certified PCs in September 2006. All the user has to do is to configure the Active Management Technology in the BIOS, which is well-documented, and then hook-up to it via a web browser on another PC. That will give you access to basic AMT features. To use some of the more advanced features you will need to use a management console. Intel is actively working with leading companies such as Altiris, LANDesk, HP Open View, Tivoli - all the big names in PC management - to ensure that software support can fully exploit the benefits of Intel vPro technology.
Further, Intel has released a free plug-in that opens up the full gamut of AMT support for customers that utilise Microsoft's SMS.
HEXUS: We've covered manageability and security but Intel touts the vPro platform as one that increases efficiency. Is that mainly derived from the use of the Intel Core 2 Duo processor?
DH: That's partly it, yes, and the Core 2 architecture has significant energy-saving benefits when compared to previous generation's. However, Active Management Technology is also significant in increasing efficiency. As an example that I've used before, a network administrator can leverage AMT's feature-set by remotely switching off PCs at night, thereby saving money with respect to energy bills, yet safe in the knowledge that the PCs can be switched on at any time if an update or inventory is required.
HEXUS: Putting you on the spot somewhat, summarise, in one sentence, why the business user needs Intel's vPro technology.
DH: Ooh, that's tricky. Intel vPro is our platform for the 2007 corporate business user. It brings you greater efficiency, much-improved manageability, and, of course, great performance.
HEXUS: Thank you for talking to HEXUS.tv
DH: Thank you.
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