What vPro Can Do For MSPs

Intel vPro is not just a set of features; it is a combination of a choice of specific processors and motherboards designed with particular hardware enhancements, management feature sets and security technologies. This mix allows for third-party software vendors to create management consoles that take advantage of these integrated elements.

As a managed services solution, a vPro configuration is not exactly off-the-shelf. So the CRN Test Center contacted Ottawa-based N-able Technologies Inc. to look at its N-Central product, which makes use of vPro Technology. Via the application's Web-based dashboard, reviewers were able to remotely access desktop and notebook computers built with vPro and see firsthand how the tools work.

With our own eyes, we were able to view vPro's key functions. From the dash, we could view the inventory and determine which systems were powered on or off. From there, we rebooted systems that were actually powered off—systems that traditionally would have had to be powered on in person. Remotely, we were even able to direct a PC to boot from a different hard drive.

Intel vPro Technology enables administrators, support staff and managed service providers to do their jobs securely, remotely and more efficiently. Since the platform is hardware-based, specific operating systems or software clients are unnecessary. The primary elements of the most current vPro Technology platform are either a Core 2 Duo or Centrino 2 processor, Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT), Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT) and Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT).

Intel VT permits the other technologies to take advantage of the computer's hardware, essentially allowing them to run in their own secured environment, without interference. Protecting those virtual environments, Intel TXT is a series of hardware enhancements that allows for the creation of multiple separated execution environments. This is the technology that makes many of vPro's remote features secure.

Designed into a separate processor on the motherboard, AMT is still active when the PC is not on, and allows remote access at all times the system is connected to the network. Administrators can power up the computer remotely, enabling them to perform maintenance, patch management and software updates after hours without having to schedule time for end users to leave their PCs on.

Asset management is also simplified through AMT, as admins can take a complete inventory of all PCs connected to the network. In addition, routinely running hardware-based agent checks can automatically detect and alert when an agent, thereby a computer, is missing. Software inventory and versions can also be collected with third-party software.

AMT's System Defense feature proactively blocks incoming threats and can contain infected clients from the network, isolating them before the virus can be spread. It also will alert administrators if any critical software agents are removed.

Both MSPs and their customers can benefit greatly from the use of vPro. Barring hardware failures, the time and expense related to traveling to the customer's physical location can be eliminated for many types of calls, while security and management can be addressed much more quickly.

There are, however, some caveats: It should go without saying that vPro is proprietary to Intel and as such, is not an industry standard. Also, as a hardware-based platform, utilizing vPro requires that all managed PCs be equipped with the necessary technologies. This can lead to a slightly higher up-front cost for each system deployed, and a possible delay while waiting for current systems to depreciate. Overall, the vPro Technology performs exactly as expected. Many of its features require the use of a third-party management console, but the savings in time and travel, as well as the increase in productivity and the services it enables you to offer, make it a cost-effective solution.