Intel Sandy Bridge to have new vPro business features

Intel revealed the Sandy Bridge processor will also include new vPro business features for IT administrators and workers. Among the new security and manageability features will be the ability to kill and restore a lost of stolen PC via 3G, videoconferencing with AES encryption, higher resolutions, host-based configuration, host-based activation, rolling back and forward of firmware updates, and the ability to remotely switch the graphics from low-power integrated to higher-power discrete mode.

From a security standpoint, the biggest addition to Sandy Bridge will deliver will be the ability to remotely kill and restore a lost or stolen PC via 3G, Marek said. Previously, that capability, which delivers a "poison pill" that can remotely wipe the PC's hard drive, was only available via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Now, if that laptop has a 3G connection, the PC can be protected, Marek said.

Videoconferencing sessions will also be secured via AES encryption; previously, only VoIP calls could be secured. Although this seems unlikely, Marek said that IT administrators, as well as customers with government contracts, have to think about the possible rather than the likely. "It's a factor of government regulations; not so much is it feasible, but could someone do it," he said.

More info at ExtremeTech.