Third generation
Turning back to Sheppard, we ask him to highlight the most important new feature in third generation vPro is. "The most significant development in the latest generation of vPro is the ability of the client to be able to make a connection back through the firewall that allows a connection even when faced with a blue screen," says Sheppard.
"This creates what is effectively an emergency button, which a user can use as a call for help to IT support. The call will go to the cloud from where the call will be managed. It could then be redirected to a predetermined service provider or it could suggest one."
We were wondering when the cloud might make an appearance, especially with Intel endeavouring to be at the forefront of its development. From what Sheppard says it seems that Intel is even dabbling in creating a services marketplace.
However, it looks like Intel will only contemplate such a move when it thinks the market is ready for it. "This last facility is initially only launching in North America because it is a more mature managed services environment," says Sheppard. "You can expect it to appear in the UK and Ireland around mid 2009 with the rest of EMEA following."
Heres a photo of some chap using a vPro application.
Intel is clearly making an effort to court the reseller channel with this move and it looks like there are some promising products and services on offer. The launch of third generation vPro was accompanied by an online ‘Virtual Experience', which takes the form of a virtual exhibition hall with a bunch of motion-sickness inducing virtual business people milling around it.You can access it here, but it requires a brief registration to access.
We would like to hear what you think about Intel's efforts in the SMB reseller channel. Are you convinced? Have you used the remote management capabilities in vPro and MSD and if so how did you find it? Do you agree that resellers need to be making a wholesale move into services? Let us know in the HEXUS.community.
