Ultrabooks, all-in-ones and desktop PCs used by small and large businesses alike are about to perform better and become more secure thanks to the new 6th-generation Core vPro processors that Intel announced today.
The newly-launched Skylake Core vPro processors marked the introduction of a new security technology called Intel Authenticate. Even though the software for it is yet to be finalized by Intel, there is a version that can be previewed and tested by users. The software, which is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10, relies on multiple authentication factors to guarantee that the person accessing the computer is the right one.
“With incredible, new, eye-catching designs, added performance, and longer battery life, the 6th Gen Intel Core and Intel Core vPro processors are setting a new standard for business computing,” said Tom Garrison, vice president and general manager for the Intel Business Client division. “By also adding enhanced security capabilities in the hardware, Intel has helped to make these newest PCs an integral part of a business’ overall security solution, making users more secure and productive than ever before.”
Basically, Intel Authentication includes three layers of security. One of the factors is an item that the users own (“something you have”), such as a smartphone or a ring. Next, there is biometric authentication that requires users to scan either their retina or a fingerprint (“something you are”), in order to gain access to the computer. Not at last, to bypass the last factor, users have to rely on their memory (“something you know”), as this is going to be a password or a pass phrase. It is up to each user how many of these three factors they choose to employ each time someone tries to access their computer.
Skylake vPro CPUs are available as of today in systems made by such OEMs as Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, Panasonic and Toshiba. These are definitely worth looking forward to, as they promise 2.5 times the performance and 30-times the graphics performance of devices from five years ago. Enterprise buyers can expect to see a wide variety of 2-in-1s, ultrabooks, ultrathin clamshells, mini PCs, and All-in-One desktops that will meet all of their business requirements.
Intel has also announced today two other solutions for businesses, namely Intel Unite and Intel Small Business Advantage (Intel SBA). While the first provides a seamless meeting experience in the workplace by improving extended display support, and by adding auto-disconnect and integration with Skype for Business, the latter helps business owners protect and grow their company.
It may look like all of the new products announced by Intel today are targeted towards business users, but soon enough, such technologies will find their way to consumers, as well. And even if these won’t be implemented in regular CPUs in the very near future, the price of business products is the only thing that can stop you from buying them.
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