AMT Usage Models for 2006 -- vPro Expert Center
Remote Asset Inventory
o The IT management console is able to “see” all PCs physically connected to the network, regardless of their power state.
o Count your networked PCs even when
powered down or the OS is inoperable
o Faster, more accurate than manual audits
o Assist compliance with government regulations
Hardware and Software Inventory
o Accurately inventory hardware and software assets
o Third-party software can now store hardware and software asset information in tamper-resistant, nonvolatile memory on vPro™ technology-based PCs, where it can be securely accessed by authorized staff from the IT console.
o Remote hardware inventories assist with upgrade planning
or lifecycle management
o Save money on license fees with accurate software inventories
Remote Diagnostics and Repair
o Diagnose, reboot, and repair PCs down-the-wire
o PC unable to boot --> PC sends an alert --> PC remotely rebooted from standard image on management server --> Technician diagnoses problem and repairs issue as appropriate (remote SW update, local HW install)
o Reduce the number of deskside visits
o Rapid response gets users up and running quickly
Agent Presence Checking
o An agent by definition is a complex software entity capable of acting with a certain degree of intelligence and autonomy in order to accomplish specific tasks or support the tasks of other software entities.]
o Keep agents operating correctly
o Management or security agent is continuously checking in with Intel vPro technology --> Management agent fails to check in --> PC alerts IT console that management agent is missing or non-functioning --> IT management console repairs non-working management agent
o Management agents in place ensure more accurate PC asset inventory
Encrypted, Remote Power-On and Update
o Push security updates to PCs even if they are powered off
o IT Management Console reviews agent software report in management database for client DAT version to identify clients requiring update --> Unique encrypted power-on command issued by IT console --> Virus DAT file on PC updated and rebooted if necessary --> Encrypted power-off command sent to PC
o Encrypted, remote deployment of patches without user interruption
o Reduce time required to deploy patches, reduces vulnerability
Hardware-Based Isolation and Recovery
o Filter harmful viruses and isolate infected PCs
o Hardware filters add a new level of security to your PC fleet
o Isolation helps prevent infected PCs from spreading viruses
PCs with Proactive Security -- Agent Presence Checking
o Keep agents operating correctly
o Security agents in place reduce IT vulnerability
o Management or security agent is continuously checking in with Intel vPro technology --> Security agent fails to check in --> PC alerts IT console that security agent is missing or non-functioning --> IT management console repairs non-working security agent
Increased Energy Efficiency -- Innovative Services and Initiatives
o Save valuable energy with the use of energy management policy software and Intel® vPro™ processor technology
o IT console sets Energy Management Policy with agent --> System powered down when inactive, based on policy --> System can be reliably activated for maintenance via secure management channel --> Energy Management agent protected via agent presence monitor
o Enterprise policy centrally managed & tamper resistant
o Agent can report energy usage and savings back to console
-Kelsey Witherow
TOOL
The Intel vPro platform does extend the reach and capabilities of client system management. Customers are realizing benefits of the platform. Similar to other new technologies or approaches, many are learning how to utilize the solution for their respective environments...
However, a few important items to remember (similar to the small text or rapid talk disclosures at the end of a commercial)
Intel vPro processor technology provides the hardware and management firmware portion of the usage models mentioned above.
Full realization of these capabilities is dependent upon the supporting OEM implementation of the base hardware irmware, along with the supporting software of the client management solutions (e.g. Altiris, HP, LANDesk, Microsoft, etc).
If there is a feature or configuration which a particular OEM or ISV does not support - it may be due to requirements gatheringscoping based on customer need, supporting codeenvironment, etc. Thus - best to raise the inquiry or feature request to the supporting platform.
The infrastructural components of DNS, DHCP, Certificate Authorities, and so forth are needed.
If the client platform is without power or network connectivity - than connectivity to the management console is not possible. HOWEVER - events related to changed state can be logged for the next point of connectivity...
If the client management environment is very "broken" - a single tool will likely not fix all items or immediately change process ehavior.