As a small or medium-sized business owner, you wear many hats each day. You handle everything, from customer service and sales to operations and IT. With a limited staff, you’re constantly juggling priorities while striving to deliver great customer experiences. What if there was a technology solution that could help lighten your workload and allow you to focus on growing your business? vPro may provide just what you need.
Intel vPro is an advanced platform that builds management capabilities directly into Intel-based PCs. Featuring powerful remote management tools, it gives you new levels of control over your devices, even when employees are working offsite.
Let’s explore 10 key ways Intel vPro can streamline operations and help your remote SMB work more efficiently.
1. Remotely Deploy and Manage Devices from Anywhere
With Intel vPro, you can perform tasks like deploying images, updating software, and troubleshooting issues remotely. Its management console gives you 24/7 access, so you can support employees regardless of their location. There is no need to wait until devices are back in the office; you have full control from a single dashboard.
2. Proactively Monitor Device Health and Performance
vPro enables comprehensive monitoring of your fleet. Its sensors continuously track system vitals like temperatures, fan speeds, and more. Get notified about potential issues so you can address them before they impact productivity or cause downtime. Detailed insights also help optimize deployments over time.
3. Improve Security with vPro’s Built-In Protections
One of the top priorities for any business, but especially for remote SMBs, is security. When employees are working offsite using their own devices, it can be difficult to ensure company and customer data is safeguarded. This is where Intel vPro really shines, with its powerful security capabilities built directly into the hardware.
- vPro utilizes measured boot to verify the integrity of the operating system and critical software each time the device is powered on. This confirms nothing has been tampered with before the machine is fully operational.
- Built-in authentication with Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT) provides an additional layer of access control, requiring login credentials even before the operating system loads.
- Together with UEFI Secure Boot, measured boot strengthens protection against firmware attacks, which have become a growing threat in recent years. Remote BIOS capabilities also allow you to stay on top of vulnerability mitigations without an on-site visit. Even if an endpoint is compromised, vPro gives you control at the hardware level to disinfect it.
- Data at rest is secured with hardware-based AES encryption on vPro devices. Encrypted memory and storage shield sensitive files and documents from unauthorized access if a device is lost or stolen. Encryption keys are tied to the unique identity of the PC, so data remains encrypted even when removed from company management.
- Intel vPro goes beyond standard endpoint security software by integrating protections directly into the CPU microcode. Its silicon-level defenses provide a hardware root of trust that persists below the operating system. Even if malware manages to infiltrate the OS, it cannot circumvent the deep security enhancements built into vPro systems.
- Remote lockdown capabilities let you quickly put devices into a secure state if they are lost or stolen. Clear UEFI variables and reset BIOS to factory defaults as an additional safeguard if a device falls into the wrong hands.
With its robust security features, vPro gives you confidence that company and customer information remain protected no matter where employees are working. Rely on embedded defenses that are invisible to users but form a resilient shield around sensitive data on each managed endpoint.
4. Simplify Support with Unmatched Remote Control
Troubleshoot devices remotely as if you were sitting in front of them via Intel vPro’s high-definition remote control. Seamlessly access employee screens to diagnose issues, install software, or provide virtual over-the-shoulder guidance. Employees stay productive while you solve problems in real-time from anywhere.
5. Accelerate Deployments with Remote Flash Updates
Updating BIOS, firmware, and drivers is a breeze using vPro’s remote flash. There is no need for downtime or shipping devices back to the office. Install updates seamlessly in the background without disrupting employee workflows. Your fleet stays optimized without on-site visits.
6. Streamlined Imaging with Advanced Remote Configuration
Remotely configure BIOS, provision UEFI variables, and deploy golden images using vPro’s configuration capabilities. Consistently roll out standard builds across your fleet. Make global changes like disabling USB ports for added security without touching devices. Maintain control over every endpoint.
7. Boost Productivity with Flexible Remote Work Options
Employees can be productive from anywhere thanks to vPro-enabled flexible computing models. Its robust security and management tools support secure BYOD, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and more. Foster a work-from-anywhere culture without compromising on manageability or protection.
8. Simplify Administration with Unified Endpoint Management
Centrally orchestrate management tasks across Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS devices. Intel vPro integrates with leading UEM platforms like VMware Workspace ONE, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and IBM MaaS360. Streamline operations using a single pane of glass to monitor, update, and secure all endpoints.
9. Lower TCO with Improved Serviceability and Uptime
Proactive monitoring and remote manageability mean fewer on-site visits. Fewer support costs and maximum uptime boost ROI. Its advanced diagnostics also help technicians quickly pinpoint root causes, so devices spend less time in the shop.
10. Future-Proof Your Environment for Emerging Technologies
Intel vPro seamlessly supports the latest platforms and operating systems. Its modular architecture is designed for long lifecycles. Future-proof your investment by gaining remote access capabilities that evolve with new technologies. Easily adopt innovations like AI, 5G, and more without adding hardware.
Final Words
As a remote SMB, your resources are limited, but your responsibilities are great. Intel vPro gives you powerful remote management tools to simplify operations from anywhere. Its built-in security, flexible work options, and lower TCO help maximize productivity while minimizing costs.
When you empower your workforce with Intel vPro-enabled devices, you empower your business to grow. Take control of your remote environment and focus on what really matters: your customers, your products, and your bottom line.