Intel today introduced Intel vPro technology, a package of hardware and software that promise to bring a major change in what businesses can expect from their PCs.

The technology provides IT workers with new levels of computing performance and more proactive control of security and costs.

Major computer makers around the world today began introducing new desktop PCs with Intel vPro technology for the mainstream business market with more systems available in the coming weeks and months from all leading manufacturers.

"Very simply, vPro is a change of course in the way businesses and IT managers view and use PCs," said Robert Crooke, vice president and general manager of Intel's Business Client Group. "We are packing in features that address what plagues businesses most?security threats, cost of ownership, resource allocation, asset management and uptime?into a single platform that is powered by the greatest multi-core processor in the world."

The Intel Core 2 Duo processor is at the heart of Intel vPro technology delivering up to a 40 percent increase in performance and a 40 percent increase in energy efficiency.

Intel vPro technology also includes the second generation of Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT), Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT), the new Intel Q965 Express chipset and the Intel 82566DM Gigabit Network Connection. .

Top software companies from around the world are offering products optimized for Intel vPro technology. Solutions are available today and will continue to arrive to market in the coming months from companies such as Adobe, Altiris, CA, Check Point, Cisco, HP OpenView, LANDesk, Lenovo, Microsoft, StarSoftComm, Symantec, Trend Micro and Zenith.

Intel vPro technology is also part of the Intel Stable Image Platform (Intel SIPP) program that offers more consistent and predictable PC platform transitions. The program guarantees Intel software stack and driver availability for a longer period from the time of a product's launch. The program also allows IT managers to test and qualify a PC once, instead of being forced to requalify the system due to multiple software or hardware changes?leading to faster deployments and lower ownership costs.

Intel vPro-based PCs include Intel's latest integrated graphics, which meet all current Microsoft requirements for the upcoming Windows Vista Premium hardware logo.

In 2007, a new Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology platform, codenamed Santa Rosa, will extend these enhanced IT manageability and PC fleet security benefits to laptops.