Benefits of Remote Device Management
The increasing adoption of remote and hybrid work modes has led to challenges for IT professionals. Tech support, maintenance, upgrades, and patches must be deployed remotely so that all fleet devices perform as expected and the network is protected from unauthorized users and cyber threats.
Today’s business employees expect a consistent technology experience whether they work on-premises, at home, or on the road. IT can fulfill those user needs with high-performing, highly manageable client PCs that provide integrated, business-class remote monitoring and management (RMM) capabilities, such as those offered on the Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors with Intel vPro® Enterprise for Windows OS.
The Intel vPro® Enterprise platform provides integrated, hardware-enabled manageability and security capabilities to help IT support and protect users and their devices wherever they—or the IT staffers themselves—are located and even when a device is turned off or its OS is not functioning.1
For example, by providing hardware-level power control, the Intel vPro® Enterprise platform enhances how patches, updates, and other routine maintenance can be administered remotely and automatically to save time and reduce human error. IT can also support users’ peripherals remotely to provide more flexibility. This means home offices can be equipped with docking stations, multiple monitors, printers, and other peripherals to enhance the user experience without introducing new manageability challenges for the IT team.
Why Hardware-Based Tools for Manageability?
Hardware-based tools for enterprise remote management allow IT teams to administer processes at both the software and hardware level. This means devices can be monitored, maintained, and managed wherever they are.
Remote PC management gives IT teams a way to ensure devices have up-to-date operating systems (OSs) and antivirus- and malware-scanning software. Off-hours patching helps minimize the impact of updates on productivity.
Remote device management also empowers IT teams to transition from reactive to predictive management by employing telemetry to troubleshoot, diagnose, and remediate problems.
Remote Management Use Cases
Remote management helps keep devices secure and functioning optimally. A feature-rich device platform can provide your IT team with a robust set of tools for several key use cases.
OS and Software Updates
OS updates and software deployment can be particularly challenging for IT. Ongoing security threats can lead to more frequent updates, adding complexity for a rising number of supported users and devices. With remote device management, IT teams can automate high-volume OS updates and software rollouts to streamline the process on a convenient schedule.
Patch Management
With remote management, IT can implement automated patch updates that help enhance security. IT can wake systems and patch them during off hours to minimize any disruptions to users’ productivity.
Device Troubleshooting
Remote device management solutions give IT teams the ability to be proactive when troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving problems. IT can use real-time telemetry analysis to diagnose a system’s problems and take quick action to resolve them. Telemetry can also be applied in self-service help tools for employees who can implement remediation options independently.
Device Refresh
Today’s businesses tend to refresh devices on a regular cadence to enhance performance. Modern devices also include features that help to improve endpoint security and device manageability. Selecting devices with integrated remote device management capabilities can enable your IT team to take advantage of in-band and out-of-band management, keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) control, and power on/off capabilities to monitor, manage, and maintain devices remotely, even when users are unavailable.
Remote Management with Intel® Active Management Technology
Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT) is built into all Intel vPro® Enterprise Windows-based PCs. Intel® AMT provides a suite of remote monitoring and management and mobile device management (MDM) technologies.
Intel vPro® Enterprise Windows-based PCs also come enabled with Intel® Endpoint Management Assistant (Intel® EMA) software, which gives IT the ability to remotely and securely manage Intel® Active Management Technology devices beyond the firewall via the cloud on known Wi-Fi networks.
A Forrester Consulting study found that the Intel vPro® platform’s device security and management capabilities can result in a cost savings of USD 1.3 million over three years. Further, automatic remote patch deployment with Intel® AMT can result in a risk-adjusted cost savings of USD 81,000 over three years.2
Out-of-Band Management
Remote devices can experience problems or become nonresponsive because of a corrupted driver, an application crash, or an OS that won’t run or boot. Intel® AMT remote management capabilities enable IT to easily handle these issues and manage client devices inside and outside the firewall with an encrypted connection, using a wired LAN connection or a wireless LAN Wi-Fi connection. Out-of-band connectivity operates independently of the OS, allowing for a persistent connection to remote devices to administer remediation or updates.
KVM Over IP
IT administrators can operate a user’s remote keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) controls remotely over the internet. KVM Over IP saves time and money and enables IT teams to support the distributed workforce. The Intel vPro® Enterprise platform for Windows OS provides Intel® AMT’s out-of-band management with KVM remote control, enabling IT staff to take over a system’s keyboard, monitor, and mouse via a trusted Wi-Fi connection. The remote access provides the same level of control that would be available in an in-person support call, at lower cost and with greater convenience.
Remote Power-Up
Remote power-up and power cycling capabilities enable other processes, including scheduled maintenance, backups, and diagnostics in addition to overnight patch deployment. These platform manageability features also provide for powering down remote systems not in use to help conserve energy and reduce power costs—all without disrupting users.
Modern Manageability for Every Business
Every business can benefit from remote management capabilities, from large enterprises to small, growing organizations with limited IT resources and those that rely on a third-party managed service provider for support.
Businesses run in more places and on more devices than ever. That’s why the Intel vPro® platform provides a path for organizations of all sizes to take control of their growing PC fleets. By simplifying remote manageability with the Intel vPro® platform, small businesses and remote employees can prepare for growth without compromising productivity or security.
Take advantage of built-in remote device management options to enhance productivity and respond to today’s challenges.