Intel unveils its fourth generation Vpro

INTEL HAS ramped up its business push with the launch of its fourth generation Vpro processor family.

The Intel Vpro Core i5 and i7 processors are built on its 32nm Nehalem processor architecture, so you get Hyperthreading and Turbo Boost thrown in, while the platform includes the Intel Q57 Express chipset and 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection for notebooks and 82578DM Network Connection for desktop PCs.

"Businesses, particularly those that haven't purchased PCs for several years, face a computing environment that no longer handles the applications many workers and IT are adopting," said Rick Echevarria, vice president of the Intel architecture group.

"The integration of intelligent performance along with smart security and cost-saving manageability features in the Intel Core Vpro processor family provide IT and SMBs a no-compromise platform."

Echevarria pointed to the growing use of virtualisation, combined with the increased consumerisation [shurely he meant commoditisation - Ed] of IT within businesses and the change in working practices, with more demanding software, greater connectivity and enhanced communication, adding that the latest iteration of Vpro will help deal with these issues and provide better security, manageability and performance.

As part of this next iteration of Vpro, you get version 2.0 of Intel's Anti-Theft Technology, which can be used to remotely lock access to a PC if it is lost or stolen, and it's also now easier to reactivate these systems should the device be recovered. Also, a custom message can be displayed in a pre-OS screen of the disabled PC for anyone who tries to access the computer to either put off thieves or provide contact details for good Samaritans.

Security is further bolstered by Intel's inclusion of six new instructions to speed up AES hardware based encryption and decryption, while remote encryption management allows IT personnel to remotely manage PCs with encrypted hard drives.

IT support staff also get a helping hand from the Vpro system, with Intel's keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) remote control, which lets administrators remotely access and control a PC, even if the operating system hasn't booted or the machine has blue-screened.

Echevarria concluded that Intel's fourth generation Vpro platform was not just for large enterprises, but is being aimed at small and medium businesses as well with support for its features coming from a wide range of hardware and software firms, including a particularly close partnership with Microsoft in Windows 7. µ