Remote computer management: From Intel research, four of the top issues faced by desktop IT groups include improving asset management, reducing user downtime, protecting systems against attack, and minimizing desk-side visits. Intel engineers realized that they could help the industry address these pain points through enhancements to Intel platforms. Intel® Active Management Technology helps IT discover, heal, and protect networked computers using new platform capabilities supported by popular third-party management and security applications.

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Maintaining a collection of persistent, tamper-resistant information on the PC system board, Intel AMT includes an asset ID as well as non-volatile storage where application software can store version numbers and policy data. Both areas can be remotely without any software running on the PC—even if the PC is turned off.

A new enterprise IT management philosophy

Intel AMT providesthe foundation for a new enterprise laptop/desktop management philosophy. New remote management capabilities based on Intel AMT enable IT to directly these PCs as corporate assets.

When Intel AMT is combined with Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel engineers envision enterprise PCs having a hidden management virtual machine that is controlled by the IT department. This technique addresses the two biggest problems of software-only manageability approaches: a) users tend to disable agents placed on their PCs by the IT department and b) PCs that are not powered on or able to boot are not manageable. A persistent management virtual machine on every PC can greatly improve protection against threats and enable IT staff to remotely repair problems without having to visit the PC itself.

Intel AMT provides hardware assistance to management software. Here are some of the capabilities now being developed by the software community:

Remote troubleshooting and recovery.

IT technicians can remotely fix many system failures, even if the computer is turned off or hung. Even if the operating system cannot be started, IT staff can remotely access the PC to initiate repairs. If the system is unbootable, a new software image can be downloaded from a central site to quickly restore operation for the user. Not only is the cost of technician visits reduced but user productivity is improved as well.


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