INTEL Corp has launched its third-generation vPro suite of business desktop PC technology which helps to extend an IT organisation’s reach to protect and manage PCs beyond the corporate firewall.

With the Remote Alert feature, an ailing PC – even one that is turned off – experiencing symptoms outside the preset parameters can “call” for IT assistance on its own.

Using the Remote Scheduled Maintenance feature, IT administrators can programme PCs for regular tune-ups that have PCs automatically connected to an IT management program for maintenance.

And with the Fast Call for Help feature, the user can get immediate assistance over an out-of-band link by entering a key sequence, even if the computer is completely crippled with a failed operating system or hard drive.

The new vPro technology, formerly codenamed McCreary, combines the energy-efficient performance of Intel Core 2 quad-core or dual-core processors with the Intel Q45 Express chipset and Intel 82567LM Gigabit Network Connection, along with Intel Active Management 5.0.

Intel also has beefed up access security with two new features. The Access Monitor feature more securely logs IT activity on systems, further closing the door on potential internal security breaches. The platform also offers the first embedded technology to authenticate PCs using Microsoft Network Access Protection, enabling protected out-of-band remote maintenance on vPro-based systems.