In the wake of the Core 2 Duo's appearance, Intel has launched a new brand to go along with it. The vPro is the newest "platform" from the chipmaker. vPro desktops will sport a Core 2 Duo CPU, a new Intel Q965 Express Chipset with integrated graphics, gigabit Ethernet, and a couple of additional technologies: Active Management Technology and Intel Virtualization Technology. It is part of Intel's Stable Image Platform (SIPP), which guarantees long-term availability of driver and software stacks for Intel products.

Intel's Active Management Technology allows IT managers to handle configuration changes remotely over the corporate network. It stores configuration info in nonvolatile RAM, which enables IT types to check the configuration of powered-down desktops. AMT also allows for remote configuration and healing of networked machines after OS failures and provides a degree of protection from network-based attacks.

vPro is another step in Intel's transition to a platform strategy. Instead of being known primarily as a manufacturer of CPUs for desktops, laptops, and servers, the company is positioning itself as a platform provider. vPro becomes the enterprise desktop counter part to Centrino (Intel's laptop platform) and Viiv (its home-entertainment PC platform).

Centrino has been a resounding success in platform building for Intel, while Viiv has yet to take off. Will vPro follow the path of Centrino, Viiv, or end up somewhere in between?

While corporate IT departments may find the virtualization and remote support features along with promises of long-term support in the form of SIPP interesting, the vPro brand on its own is unlikely to stir the passions of enterprise IT types. Intel does have HP, Gateway, and Dell committed to supporting the brand with different hardware configurations, but when it comes down to it, most corporate purchasing decisions will depend on the combination of price point and hardware configuration. Whether or not it's a certified vPro machine will be peripheral—if that.

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