As more employees work remotely due to the pandemic, businesses need to ensure their employees can be productive wherever they are. Intel vPro processors are designed to offer advanced manageability and security features that empower employees to work remotely while giving IT departments peace of mind. In this post, we’ll explore 13 key advantages of opting for vPro when buying new devices for your team.
1. Built-In Security and Identity Protection
Intel vPro uses hardware-based security capabilities to protect user identities and data. Features like Intel Identity Protection Technology use the silicon security inside each processor to defend against cyberattacks. Even if an unauthorized person gains access to a vPro device, the hardware and software protections help prevent unauthorized logins or data theft. This provides strong data security, whether employees are in the office or working remotely.
2. Easy Remote Management
One of the biggest benefits of the Intel i5 vPro is that it enables easy remote management of PCs through features like Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT). This allows IT to remotely inventory, configure, update, patch, and repair devices even when they are out of operating system control or powered down. There is no need to touch each device – IT can keep systems optimized from anywhere.
3. Stays Connected with vPro Always-On, Always-Connected
With integrated Intel WiFi 6/6E (Gig+) and optional 4G/5G modem connectivity, Intel vPro systems can maintain a constant VPN connection. IT departments no longer need to worry about employees getting disconnected or losing access to important systems while on the move. Features like Secure Connect allow wake-on-LAN even when the OS is powered off to enable easy remote access.
4. Continued Operations During Outages
The out-of-band management capabilities of the Intel Core i5 vPro mean that even if the operating system crashes or is completely unresponsive, IT can still regain remote control. They can access the system hardware and reboot the device to get it back online quickly. During network outages or software issues, vPro’s Intel AMT allows the PC to stay manageable.
5. Enhanced Hardware-Based Security
Advanced security capabilities like Intel Hardware Shield and Intel Total Memory Encryption provide an added layer of protection beyond standard antivirus and firewall software. By embedding security at the silicon level, sensitive company data and user credentials are encrypted using the processor itself. This prevents malicious actors from bypassing OS-level defenses.
6. Manage and Restore Multiple Devices Remotely
With Intel vPro laptops, IT admins can simultaneously deploy updates, patches, and configurations to an entire fleet of PCs from anywhere. Features like Intel Unite make it simple to centrally manage settings across many systems. If any laptops need to be totally wiped and restored, Intel Rapid Start Technology allows a full reset to be applied remotely without having to physically access the device.
7. Boost Performance for Power Users
Business users who frequently work with large files, intensive applications, or processor-intensive tasks like video editing will greatly benefit from the high performance of vPro CPUs. Models with Intel vPro are tuned for optimal processing power and efficiency. They can handle demanding workloads without slowing down, keeping staff productive all day long.
8. Tap into GPUs for Visual Workloads
Many vPro systems include discrete graphics processing through Intel Iris Xe or other dedicated GPUs. This enriched visual processing power supports scenarios like medical imaging, CAD/CAM, video streaming, and more. Graphics-intensive jobs that benefit creativity and problem-solving will see improved performance and capabilities.
9. Extend Battery Life While Mobile
Core i5 vPro CPUs feature optimizations for longer runtimes on a single charge. Integrated technologies like Intel Dynamic Tuning and Intel Hybrid Technology intelligently manage power consumption. Mobile professionals can rely on vPro laptops to last throughout long trips, on-site visits, and beyond without needing access to an outlet.
10. Built for 24/7 Reliability
vPro systems undergo Intel’s rigorous Total Quality Factor (TQF) testing protocol, which subjects them to extremes of temperature, electric interference, vibrations, and more. This testing exceeds military-grade standards.
The components are also optimized for reliability, with features like an all-metal chassis, reinforced mounting, and advanced cooling designs. Some vPro laptops even meet Ingress Protection ratings for dust and water resistance.
Active thermal monitoring continually manages heat levels to prevent overheating. And the hardware-based security doesn’t tax the system’s resources, keeping devices running optimally for long periods of time.
Batteries undergo rigorous validation too. They’re tested to withstand hundreds of charge cycles before degradation. Advanced battery health monitoring helps maximize useful life.
Service technicians can also easily replace components since Intel Core i7 vPro machines are built with field servicing and longevity in mind. So whether employees need computing in a manufacturing plant or construction site, IT can feel confident that vPro can take the punishment.
11. Streamline Deployment and Management Costs
With a single unified toolset for remote monitoring and control, deploying a large fleet of vPro devices is incredibly simplified. Tools like Intel Unite integrate with common RMM systems and control panels to make bulk imaging, scripting, patching, and oversight a breeze. This lowers the long-term costs of large-scale IT management.
12. Future-Proof Your Investment
As new Intel processor generations launch, Intel vPro users gain performance boosts and new silicon-level capabilities via simple BIOS/firmware updates instead of full replacements. Second, the out-of-band management allows vPro systems to remain usable even if the OS becomes obsolete and unsupported.
IT also has control over which future firmware updates get applied, so security isn’t compromised. And vPro models typically come with 3-5 years of extended lifecycle support from Intel compared to consumer parts. So when it does eventually come time to upgrade years later, the residual value from resale or redeployment is maximized since the hardware has stayed relevant and issue-free over the long haul. Few other device lines can match vPro’s multi-year supportability and upgradability.
13. Say Goodbye to Slow Boot Times
Thanks to capabilities like intel evo Rapid Start Technology, vPro PCs resume nearly instantly from sleep/hibernate and boot up in under 10 seconds. No more long delays that disrupt productivity each time employees power on. Fast wake also extends productive hours each day since less time is spent waiting idly.
In Summary
As this post outlined, the integrated hardware-based management and protection features of vPro provide unmatched value for businesses transitioning to hybrid work environments. From enhanced security to easy remote oversight, these processors give IT optimized control and visibility. Employees also gain a seamless experience with advanced performance, all-day battery reliance, and future-proof scalability. For enabling a productive remote workforce with peace of mind, vPro is a compelling choice.
