Applications of embedded systems: Intel is now using its broad reach to do more than simply provide faster chips. We want to help solve the top issues facing computer users and IT today. As a result of this kind of solution-oriented thinking, a whole slew of new capabilities will unfold over time. We are uniquely positioned in the industry to accomplish this you can’t solve these problems with just the processor. For example, Intel AMT involves the network and the chipset; the appliance concept is enabled by the processor, the chipset, the network, and a very good deal of software.

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Gregory Bryant, general manager of Intel Digital Office Platforms Group, is responsible for developing ways to support new usage models on business client platforms. Prior to this position, Bryant spent several years managing the support of client platforms within the Intel IT department.

In this issue of Intel Software Insight, we’re talking about two aspects of
Intel’s embedded IT strategy—manageability and virtualization. What is behind those initiatives?

Intel is now using its broad reach to do more than simply provide faster chips. We want to help solve the top issues facing computer users and IT today. As a result
of this kind of solution-oriented thinking, a whole slew of new capabilities will unfold over time. We are uniquely positioned in the industry to accomplish this you can’t solve these problems with just the processor. For example, Intel AMT involves the network and the chipset; the appliance concept is enabled by the processor, the chipset, the network, and a very good deal of software. The solution is a complete system along with support from the software community.

Let’s begin with Intel Active Management Technology.

There is real value for IT here. Sometimes our industry comes up with whiz-bang technology that is a little difficult to translate into hard dollar benefits. That’s not the case here. Intel AMT addresses some of the top issues facing IT today. I wouldn’t be surprised if it delivers a payback in less than six months. That is pretty compelling. Some IT groups may even justify accelerating their client refresh rates based on these benefits.

That is exciting. Can you give us some examples of how Intel AMT can be used?

One example we saw at the Intel Developer Forum in August was Cisco’s demonstration of a smart network using Intel AMT to deny network access to PCs that did not meet certain criteria. For example, if a PC does not have the latest firewall or antivirus files, the IT team might not want it attaching to the enterprise network. Today, someone can plug any PC into your network and get an IP address. You don’t know if that system meets your policies or if it is infected. Ultimately, enterprise network security is only as good as the integrity of the weakest link. Having a " network admission control" function is an example of a valuable next-generation usage model.


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