Intel vPro Expert Center Blog

Bring out the cake and candle - 1 year anniversary is here!

josh.hilliker — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:15:49 GMT

1 year anniversary - YES!

I wanted to start this blog by saying what an interesting, fun, and action packed year it's been for the vPro Expert Center. we had a vision about 1 1/2 years ago to create a community where we could bring all parties together to talk about vPro and really make a difference in the activation and integration of this technology into the IT environment. I know that to be 1 years old in a community is just a small milestone, however for me it has been a blast to connect with a # of folks from the community both in the forums, onsite and at events where we can talk face to face. As I reflect back on the year, here are the top 5 and bottom 5 of what the community did that I think made a difference. (I could have made this the top 50).

TOP 5

Have seen some of the best bloggers join us online for dialogue (BIG Thank You)
Had great participation across the board - HW(OEM), SW(ISV), YOU, Intel, etc..
Started a Radio show on blogtalkradio - check it out (even on itunes)
Started a few sub zones that are really helping - microsoft, activation, and our latest SMB Talk.
Partnered with Myitforum.com and started using resources/wiki's for key events (Manage fusion, Microsoft mgmt summit)

Bottom 5

We published over a dozen tools and then didn't call them free tools and then we pulled one down that folks really cared about (yes it's almost fixed for those that know what I am referring to)
Implemented an ask the experts section, however we used as a single thread and now it's hard to find past solutions/fixes - (yes this is being fixed)
Tried to do an online TV show (good luck finding that legacy show anywhere)
We started a contest and made it to hard to participate - (we took the feedback and will try something soon that is easier to participate)
We haven't created a points system yet to showcase who's really answering all the questions and if the answers are good one's. (reputation system or something of that nature).

What does this all mean, we still have more work to do to make this community better. I'm committed to making this an awesome community, focused on you and how to make your life easier with vPro. Keep coming back and spreading the word to friends.

I also want to recognize the great community for giving me input on how to make this better over the year and I want to hear more over the next year on what we can do to make this a better community, increased functionality, richer video, tools, etc. If you have input on what you would like to see, what we can improve, what we should stop doing, etc.. please drop me a line by either blogging me back here, or just send me an email - josh@intel.com.

Or if you have product input that is always welcome, for example, on features we should have in the ME (manageability engine) or Software to leverage our silicon.

So.. what's next? I can tell you that I have been planning, thinking, waiting for September 22nd for the last 2 month's, I can't say much, but I can say you will want to be on the vPro Expert Center that day and check out something very exciting. (if I say any more I'll get the PR/Mktg teams yelling at me).. I can say that we will have more video's, more quick start guides and more focus on CIRA (FAst call for help) coming out soon as the HW starts to show up and we can show real life scenario's with rich detail. We are also going to spend more time focused on how to fast track a few use cases, like Going Green with vPro, Remote Repair, & Patching @ Night. After hearing this discussed the last month I believe the community with see value in the output here.

I would also like to give kudos to a # of community peers both inside & outside of Intel that have shared their wisdom, data, approaches and even video editing skills to help me start this community. I think we've only just begun and I am personally looking forward to the road ahead. please give me a shout out to tell me what you think of the community..

Josh H
Community Manager - vPro Expert Center

Understanding vPro Chapter 7: From virtual world to virtual appliances.

Sophia.Stalliviere — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:21:38 GMT

Virtual World - a computer based world that represents all aspects of life, as we know it. There are many fun and exciting examples of ways people have turned aspects of our world into a virtual world, and often these are found in massively multiplayer online games. However, one virtual representation I have been learning about lately is one called virtual appliances. Virtual appliances represent complex software stacks in a virtual environment. However, with a virtual appliance we are taking something that is often very complex and have high maintenance costs and representing it as single application. The virtual appliances I have been learning about lately are not representing real life in a fun environment, but solving real problems by interfacing with the vPro features.

Recently Nicole Trent wrote a blog on Microsoft SCE. It is one of the many examples (you can find an abundance of appliances on the vPro Expert Center) of virtual appliances that can be used to interact with the features in vPro. These appliances are useful when you perform inventory and maintenance to vPro clients as they bundle the software you use to manage the clients into one location. Then you can use this to control your clients from your server by using the remote capabilities.

If you have a whole lot of clients in your business that need to be updated over night because it's critical for these to be in service for the day, you would can use a virtual appliance that contains the IT software needed to make up that script so IT wouldn't have to be there over night. These scripts can execute and maintain your machine while you're away from your desk, sleeping or having a fun weekend. Best of all, the IT people that make these scripts are allowed to have their nights and weekends as well, as the scripts can execute fully automated.

This is convenient for the "green" factor. We are able to send applications with aid of AMT without wasting anybody's time that would go desk side and put the application on each computer or if the computer itself needs help because it's in trouble. They would just apply it at one time not wasting time, money, and packaging (my past blogs emphasizing these features). When the alternative is having an IT person going from one site to another, this helps lower gas consumption.

This is just another tool to our future of virtual computing. The more comes out the more it helps aid in situations that only a few years ago that is changing the way our businesses are operating. Now that it's here we should be able to use it to it's full extent it's up to us to use push the limits.

P.S. This week most of us (yes vPro lovers, Mr. Josh Hilliker will be gracing us with his presence!) will be at IDF there will be a lot of good stuff coming out of the vPro Expert Center. If you cannot be there check, out the vPro site there will be blogs and radio shows (which by the way Blog Talk is on iTunes for free download- search Intel Open Port Radio) who know maybe you will hear me!! Stay tuned!

Miss our show yesterday with IT@Intel? Listen to it here & now...

Kelsey_Witherow — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:59:05 GMT

Listen in as your hosts talk with Dave McCray, Intel's IT Program Manager. Intel IT is a leader in the activation and use of AMT. They have activated & provisioned over 10k machines - hear how they did it, why they are doing it & how to make your integration better based on Intel IT's best known methods.

Stream from blogtalkradio or click play below to hear it now...

Intel IT goes live with the Expert Center on BlogTalkRadio!

Kelsey_Witherow — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:17:29 GMT

Topic: Listen in as your hosts talk with Dave McCray, Intel's IT Program Manager. Intel IT is a leader in the activation and use of AMT. They have activated & provisioned over 10k machines - hear how they did it, why they are doing it & how to make your integration better based on Intel IT's best known methods. Also get a scoop on what you'll find in the coming year.
Date/Time: 8/4/2008 3:30PM
Call-In Number: (347) 326-9831
You can also visit Open Port Radio or Stream this Show Online

The vPro Expert Center's BlogTalkRadio show is hosted by Josh Hilliker, Russ Pam, and Jeff Torello. This bi-weekly informal show covers a variety of topics and is a perfect avenue to get your questions answered. Listen in live, give your two cents, or just download the show after it has aired. Make sure not to miss out on this awesome opportunity to learn and engage with the vPro experts. Can’t join us live? Have no fear, blogtalkradio let’s you listen to the show whenever you have the time. Visit the Open Port Radio site (link is above) to hear previous shows and even catch a glimpse of what’s to come!

vPro Radio - SCE / SCOM and vPro

josh.hilliker — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:29:36 GMT

vPro radio was live this morning and our topic was on SCE/SCOM and vPro support through the vPro Management Pack. Matt Royer joined us alongside one of the original developers (Nachman Israel) to discuss the use cases, the market focus, and more!

Visit Open Port Radio or Stream this Show Online

BlogTalkRadio back in action with SCE/SCOM!

Kelsey_Witherow — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:04:40 GMT

THIS WEEK: Our topic will be around SCE/SCOM and vPro support through the vPro Management Pack. We'll have Matt Royer alongside one of the original developers, Nachman Israel, to discuss the use cases, the market focus, and more! Tune in live!
Date: 7/14/2008 9:30 AM
Call-in Number (Listen live!): (347) 326-9831
Visit Open Port Radio or Stream this Show Online

Incase you weren't aware...vPro Expert Center's BlogTalkRadio is hosted by Josh Hilliker, Russ Pam, and Jeff Torello. This bi-weekly informal show, produced by me, covers a variety of topics and is a perfect avenue to get your questions answered. Listen in live, give your two cents, or just download the show after it has aired. Make sure not to miss out on this awesome opportunity to learn and engage with the vPro experts. Can’t join us live? Have no fear, blogtalkradio let’s you listen to the show whenever you have the time. Visit the Open Port Radio site (link is above) to hear previous shows and even catch a glimpse of what’s to come!

SCS 5.0 radio show was great! Find it here...

Kelsey_Witherow — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:03:41 GMT

As you saw in my last blog this show was on SCS 5.0 to see what’s coming in SCS' next version? SCS 5.0 is just around the corner and the vPEC team had our guests Shai Kavas and Chaim Rand join us. This version of SCS includes major usability and scalability improvements and contain some very exciting new features. Some of these cool features are results of feedbacks we got from our partners and… from YOU – our end customers. Check out this show right here!

Chaim Rand and Shai Kavas joined our favorite hair-colored host, Josh Hilliker...

Tune in for SCS 5.0 ~ Listen live in 1 hour!

Kelsey_Witherow — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:27:58 GMT

TODAY: What’s coming in SCS next version? SCS 5.0 is just around the corner and the vPEC team has our guests Shai Kavas and Chaim Rand joining us. This version of SCS includes major usability and scalability improvements and contain some very exciting new features. Some of these cool features are results of feedbacks we got from our partners and… from YOU – our end customers. Wanna know more? Stay tuned to our show!

Date / Time: 6/16/2008 9:30 AM Call-in Number: (347) 326-9831
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/openport

Questions, comments, or concerns? Feel free to contact me.

Did you miss us on vPro Radio? This show was as blast..

josh.hilliker — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:06:59 GMT

If you did.. download here..

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/openport/2008/06/02/Intel-vPro-Expert-Center-Topic-TBD

We talked about the Activation zone and our favorite tools.. Check it out.. don't forget you can join the live call and ask questions in chat.

Also Jeff gave me a challenge.. Build a LEGO vPro Machine.. so.. Game ON!!

Monday - vPro Radio - Our Guest - Michele Gartner

josh.hilliker — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:26:09 GMT

Monday we're cooking up a great show, Russ, Jeff & I are going to be talking with Michele Gartner about the Activation zone and the latest status on how to self activate. We will also be talking about our top tool picks that we use for troubleshooting & enabling vPro. Definitely a show you won't want to miss out on. Also you can either stream, dial in or download after the show is over to listen. We will also have the chat line open for any and all questions related to vPro.

Here's the info:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/openport/2008/06/02/Intel-vPro-Expert-Center-Topic-TBD

Number: (347) 326-9831
Date/Time: 6/2/2008 3:30 PM (pacific)

Streamed Computing jumps onto vPro's BlogTalkRadio show May 20th!

Kelsey_Witherow — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:58:53 GMT

COMING UP: Don't miss out this week! You will be able to catch Josh Hilliker, Russ Pam, and Jeff Torello's live chat with Jason Davidson and Mike Ferron-Jones. The show will be on the spectrum of emerging compute models and recommendations for when to consider each model. Feel free to check out this slide deck, you can bring up any questions you have during the show: Slide Deck

Also, remember that there are THREE ways to listen to our show. Not only can you call in and participate live, but you can stream live online or download the show afterwards!

When: TUESDAY, May 20th @ 3:30 PM
Call-in Number: (347) 326-9831
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/openport

Already Tuned In? - We Want YOUR Feedback!

Kelsey_Witherow — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:37:26 GMT

In case you haven't already heard - our vPro Expert Community has been up and running with their show on Blogtalkradio. Feel free to visit www.blogtalkradio.com/openport to view past & upcoming shows from big time pros, Josh Hilliker & Russ Pam.

So now, we'd like to hear what you've got to say about it. We want to open up and see what you all think. How's the length? Is 15 minutes too short or would 30 minutes be too long? Would you rather hear about upcoming or past technologies? Would you want to hear some outside ideas during the show - like a guest from one of Intel's ISVs perhaps? Got any other suggestions for topics you'd like to see on the show?

Just a few questions there to get your brain moving - but the floor is wide open. Tell us what you think!

You blog with the pros...now talk to the pros!

Kelsey_Witherow — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:56:58 GMT

The vPro Expert Center’s newest endeavor is with blogtalkradio
and we want you to get involved!

Hosted by Josh Hilliker & Russ Pam, this bi-weekly informal show will be covering a variety of topics and is a perfect avenue to get your questions answered. Listen in live, give your two cents, or just download the show after it has aired. Make sure not to miss out on this awesome opportunity to learn and engage with the vPro experts. Can’t join us live? Have no fear, blogtalkradio let’s you listen to the show whenever you have the time. Click the image below to hear previous shows and even catch a glimpse of what’s to come!

Next show is on Monday, March 24th. Topic is "Ask the Experts" and will be focusing on activation, integration, and features. Send me a quick note if you would like to be added to the calendar invite.

Note: Our show schedule is still underway, but will be posted as soon as it is completed. Be sure to send in any topic ideas you may have to either Josh Hilliker, Russ Pam, or myself. They will be greatly appreciated.

Got a Question? Want to ask the Pro's? - Let's talk live....

josh.hilliker — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:37:10 GMT

Russ & I are hosting a Ask the Pro's session in our bi-weekly radio show. We are planning on having an open session with online & phone callers to discuss all your vPro questions. If you are interested in a certain area like activation, integration or what does vPro do.. etc.. please let us know those questions now and we'll start pulling the data together.

We will blog soon on the date/ time so you can mark you calendars.

Thank You

vPro Radio - Tool Talk with Tim

josh.hilliker — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:30:42 GMT

10:30am Russ & I are talking with Tim the Tool guy about vPro Tools.

Call-in Number: (347) 326-9831

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/openport/2008/03/11/vPro-Expert-Center-On-The-Air-vPro-Tools

Listen in & chat with us online..