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Intel vPro®, with the Intel® Endpoint Management Assistant (EMA) platform, can help enterprises reduce costs and downtime and improve IT support. As an Intel Gold Partner, Anteriad and its experienced Intel vPro® Activation Team can help make the deployment process seamless at no additional cost.
Companies that purchase Intel vPro® devices do so at an extra premium of approximately $150 - $300 per unit. This additional technology includes extra security at a hardware level, as the AI Hardware Shield adds a security layer against cyber-attacks and performance boosts. However, most importantly, it includes the remote management tool, Intel® EMA (Endpoint Management Assistant)
Intel® EMA is hosted on your own server (on-premise or cloud), so companies can be assured that if their third-party remote management tool fails, they can readily attend to and deliver IT support to the entire organization.
Features of Intel® EMA include KVM sessions, running a terminal and file transfers. However, what sets the Intel® EMA apart from all other remote tools is its out-of-band capabilities which allow for booting to BIOS and re-imaging endpoints remotely over Wi-Fi and LAN.
In summary, Intel® EMA enables IT professionals to perform all tasks remotely as if they were physically present at the location. This boosts productivity, reduces downtime for both IT users and clients, and allows employees to comfortably work from home while troubleshooting devices stuck in a blue screen loop.
The monthly cost for a remote monitoring and management tool can range from $4.00 to $32.00 per device per month. For a company with 1000 endpoints in its fleet, this can add up to over $100,000 in annual expenses.
Intel® EMA can significantly reduce this cost for companies, freeing up budget for other IT projects. It is a license-free, comprehensive remote management tool you deploy on your own infrastructure.
To help companies leverage this technology, Intel® has created a fully funded Activation campaign that can assist in the integration, making the process quick and easy.
Users might find the implementation and integration challenging, which is why Intel offers assistance through official partners so end users can maximise the manageability features of the vPro devices. This support is available for those who have purchased vPro® devices at no additional cost.
Anteriad is one of Intel’s Gold Partners that offers an Intel fully funded vPro® proof of concept and pilot activation service. Our vPro® Integrations Specialists and vPro® Engineers have extensive technical expertise in this technology and can guide your team through the installation process so that you can start using the Intel® EMA as quickly as possible.
For those who are not familiar with Intel® EMA as well as how to activate their endpoints and start using this technology, this campaign provides free demos of the Intel vPro® and Intel® EMA to help better understand how this technology can help their organizations manage their entire fleet (and by doing so, cut costs).
Companies have the opportunity to test the tool on a sandbox server first to see it for themselves. Once they see the value that using Intel® EMA brings to their operations, our vPro Integrations specialists, along with our dedicated vPro® Engineers, will guide your team on how to prepare your environment correctlyso you can deploy the technology on your own infrastructure.
This fully funded campaign provides comprehensive support, Anteriad’s vPro® team are on hand to answer technical questions, fix and troubleshoot problems and provide post installation support. This is initially achieved through a series of 3 meetings:
Afterward, if more troubleshooting is needed, our team will be there to assist you with anything.
In conclusion, Intel vPro®, combined with the Intel® Endpoint Management Assistant (EMA), offers a robust solution for enterprises looking to enhance IT support while reducing costs and downtime. As an Intel Gold Partner, Anteriad, with its skilled Intel vPro® Activation Team, ensures a seamless deployment process at no additional cost.
The advanced security features, productivity boosts, and comprehensive remote management capabilities of Intel® EMA make it a valuable investment for any organization. By leveraging Intel's fully funded Activation campaign and Anteriad's expertise, companies can quickly integrate and maximize the benefits of Intel vPro® technology, leading to significant savings on remote management tools and improved operational efficiency.
Anteriad’s Knowledge Exchange programme connects ITDMs to the right partner for all their IT needs. If you would like to take part of the fully funded vPro® Activation campaign, get in touch with our US and Canadian* vPro® Integration Specialists if you would like to.
To learn more about Intel vPro® technology or the Intel® EMA platform, visit the Intel website. Visit anteriad.com to learn more about Anteriad, an Intel Gold Partner.
*Currently only available to users based in the US and Canada.
On Friday, July 19th, millions of Windows users were locked out of their devices after a faulty CrowdStrike update caused a massive worldwide outage. This is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of software updates and the importance of thorough testing and quality assurance.
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A faulty code in the update files for the latest version of CrowdStrike’s Falcon sensor software was intended to make systems more secure. However, the configuration update triggered a logic error resulting in a system crash and blue screen (BSOD) on impacted systems, leading to the most widespread tech outages in recent years.
Reuters reports that this is potentially due to the code not being properly vetted or sandboxed before the launch.
The outage caused chaos, with many businesses being forced to close or operate in a limited capacity until the bug was fixed.
Microsoft revealed that approximately 8.5 million devices were impacted globally. Despite only accounting for 1% of Windows devices, there were ripple effects across multiple crucial industries, particularly airlines, hospitals, banks, and telecommunication companies.
Hospitals across the US, Canada and UK were forced to cancel elective procedures, with Britain’s National Health Service seeing problems at most GP offices across England due to the impact on their appointment and patient record system.
Air travelers faced the brunt of the chaos, with more than 42,00 flights delayed and a further 4,700 canceled internationally. There were also severe delays at the international borders between the US and Mexico as well as the Canadian border.
Over the weekend, Microsoft deployed hundreds of engineers to support its customers to restore services. CrowdStrike also posted instructions on how to remediate the error, however, this is a manual process which will take time to implement across all affected devices.
CrowdStrike is continuing to work to get all affected devices back online, and in an X post, stated that a significant number were online and operational.
Cyber resilience is more important than ever, but this outage reminds us of how reliant the economy is on technology and how networks have become complex and intertwined, making it easier for one small error to have such broad-reaching consequences. The sheer extent of the crash exposed the vulnerabilities in essential security software, and the full financial damage cannot yet be estimated.
[/um_loggedin]The modern workplace has changed and as a result of hybrid work becoming the norm, your IT team needs better ways to troubleshoot, repair and maintain business PCs that might be in the office, employee homes, or anywhere else.
Remote management has become a critical need for businesses of all sizes as it allows for enhanced flexibility, accessibility, efficiency, and security. Remote management software enables IT teams to support systems from anywhere, reducing downtime and cutting costs associated with on-site visits.
Remote manageability gives IT administrators the ability to do software upgrades or security patches all via the cloud. This means having a hardware-level management solution that can establish a communication channel for IT, giving them the ability to manage issues at a moment’s notice, inside or outside the firewall environment.
Intel vPro® is an integrated, validated platform that is rigorously tested for the demands of the modern workplace. Its “built for business” features meet the needs of both IT teams and end users. Intel vPro®’s platform integrates a suite of technologies designed to enhance security, performance, and manageability. Core features and benefits of vPro include:
Maximise your vPro® fleet with Managed Activation Platform (MAP):
MAP is your all-in-one solution, brand new cloud-based SaaS designed to simplify the vPro activation process, so you can harness its full potential for remote management.
Leroy Merlin, a DIY hypermarket turned to Intel vPro® technology with Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT) and Intel® Endpoint Management Assistant (Intel® EMA) to manage their devices which includes desktop PCs, laptops, point-of-sale (POS) systems, kiosks, and digital signage systems deployed across 120 stores in Spain and Portugal. This decision significantly reduced operational costs and minimized disruptions for end users. Previously onsite issues now can be resolved remotely, offering support at any time of day. Read the full case study here.
Source: The Business Cover
In today’s digital age, technology’s rapid growth has changed how businesses operate. One of the most significant technological advancements that have emerged in recent years is artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize business processes by automating repetitive tasks, improving decision-making capabilities, and increasing efficiency. In this blog, we will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on business processes.
Automation of Repetitive Tasks AI technology can automate repetitive and mundane tasks that were previously performed by humans. This can significantly increase the speed and accuracy of business processes while reducing the cost of labor. For example, AI-powered chatbots can handle customer queries and complaints, reducing the need for customer service agents to perform these tasks manually.
AI can analyze vast amounts of data and provide insights that can inform business decisions. This can help businesses make more informed decisions based on data rather than intuition. For example, AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses forecast demand, optimize pricing strategies, and identify market trends.
AI-powered tools can perform tasks more efficiently than humans, freeing up time and resources for other important business activities. For example, AI can optimize supply chain management by predicting demand, managing inventory levels, and identifying areas for cost savings. This can improve the overall efficiency of the supply chain and reduce waste.
AI can improve the customer experience by providing personalized and timely responses to customer inquiries. For example, AI-powered chatbots can provide immediate responses to customer queries, reducing wait times and improving the overall customer experience.
AI can help businesses protect sensitive data by identifying and responding to security threats in real time. For example, AI-powered cybersecurity tools can detect and respond to cyberattacks, protecting sensitive data and reducing the risk of data breaches.
AI-powered tools can help employees perform their jobs more efficiently by automating routine tasks and providing insights that inform decision-making. This can increase employee productivity and job satisfaction. For example, AI-powered virtual assistants can help employees manage their schedules, prioritize tasks, and automate administrative tasks.
Artificial Intelligence has a significant impact on business processes. AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making capabilities, increase efficiency, enhance the customer experience, increase security, and improve employee productivity. As AI technology continues to evolve, businesses that adopt AI-powered tools and strategies will be better positioned to succeed in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Source: Protech Insights
Disruptive technology is currently at the forefront. It brings about profound changes that can extend way beyond mere incremental improvements. These technological advancements have the potential to transform the way industries operate. It not only reshapes business practices but also the entire economy and consumer behaviors.
In this article, you’ll get a comprehensive idea of what disruptive technology is, its impact, and the most exciting trends to watch out for in 2023.
Disruptive technology is all about innovations that fundamentally reshape markets and industries by shifting the existing processes, products, or services. Here are some examples of disruptive technologies to help you understand better:
Digital payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay have helped countries achieve a cashless economy. It has completely revolutionized the way transactions are done before.
Companies like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Etsy have challenged the traditional way of retailing. By offering convenient online shopping experiences to users, it has transformed retail.
The telecom revolution has had a profound impact on society as well as the economy. It has connected people in ways that were once unimaginable. By driving innovation in technology and services, it has played a key role in globalizing information and commerce.
Telehealthcare, also known as telemedicine or telehealth, is a rapidly evolving healthcare delivery model. This model leverages technology to offer medical services remotely, enhance patient outcomes, and fix various healthcare challenges.
Now, let’s have a look at some of the most impactful disruptive technology trends in 2023.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Includes AI automation, predictive analytics, and decision-making.
Blockchain: Promotes security and transparency in sectors like finance, supply chain, and identity verification.
Internet of Things (IoT): Offers various opportunities, from smart homes to industrial automation.
3D Printing: Revolutionizes manufacturing with cost-effective and custom production.
Renewable Energy: Promotes sustainable energy by reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Biotechnology & Genomics: Transforms healthcare and agriculture via personalized medicine and gene editing.
Autonomous Vehicles: Redefines transportation and logistics with vehicles like self-driving cars.
Quantum Computing: Solves the most complex problems at lightning speed, impacting fields like cryptography and scientific research.
Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR): Revolutionizes entertainment, education, and remote work experiences.
Cleantech: Involves disrupting waste management, water purification, and sustainable agriculture for a green future.
As we’re moving further towards the digital age, it is crucial for businesses, society, as well as individuals, to understand disruptive technology and its profound impacts. By staying informed about these technological changes, you will unlock the key to thriving in the innovative world.
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, organizations must adapt to stay ahead in a highly competitive landscape. With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced what it calls: ‘a new era of computing.’ In this blog post, Anteriad will explore the key reasons why organizations should consider migrating to Windows 11 and the benefits it offers as well as the challenges faced by organisations-such as incompatible legacy hardware.
Let us start with some facts & figures:
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Security is a top concern for organizations. In previous blogs we reported on the evolving threat landscape with a growing number of sophisticated malware and ransomware attacks. Due to the hybrid work environment, PCs are getting used in environments where they are much more vulnerable to cyber threats. Windows 11 addresses these concerns by integrating advanced security features. Windows 11 provides hardware-based security through Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot, making it more resistant to cyber threats. With the introduction of Windows Hello for Business, organizations can utilize biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, for enhanced login security. This can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and applications.
Windows 11 also offers improved performance and efficiency. The new operating system (OS) is optimized for modern hardware, utilizing the latest technologies to deliver faster boot times, improved battery life, and reduced resource consumption. Windows 11 takes advantage of the latest hardware technologies and accelerates performance through optimized hardware utilization. For example, Windows 11 is optimized to leverage the processing power of latest families of Intel CPUs with efficient and performant cores. The OS is designed to make the most efficient use of the available cores, ensuring that tasks and applications run smoothly and efficiently. This can result in better overall performance, faster application responsiveness, and smoother multitasking experiences, according to the manufacturer.
Microsoft also claims that Windows 11 represents a significant leap forward in terms of user experience & productivity. It strengthens collaboration within organizations by integrating with Microsoft 365 services. It also provides contextual recommendations for more efficient workflows across Windows with suggestions for files, contacts, and actions. And in an era of increased working from home (WFH) and working from anywhere, Windows 11 is designed to support hybrid work enhancing the Microsoft Teams experience, enabling users to connect with colleagues, join meetings, and share content. The integration of Microsoft Teams directly into the taskbar has been designed to streamline communication and collaboration workflows, to promote efficient teamwork and productivity. In this latest release, videoconferencing becomes smarter and easier including intelligent noise canceling, and background blur. Windows 11 includes several other features that can offer improved productivity for your organization. For example, it includes a new feature called “Snap Layouts” which allows users to quickly arrange multiple windows on their desktop for better multitasking. It also includes a new feature called “Snap Groups” which allows users to save groups of apps together for easy access.
Windows 11 offers enterprise-grade management and deployment tools to facilitate the migration process and ongoing system management. Current management tools provide centralized control, and it offers a streamlined approach to the management of devices, updates, and security policies. These tools simplify the migration process and enable efficient management of the Windows 11 ecosystem within the enterprise.
Finally, in terms of testing, Microsoft Windows 11 Version 23H2, due for release this autumn, this one shares the same servicing branch and code base as last year’s release (22H2), which could mean less time for IT managers in testing according to Techfinitive.
Perhaps the biggest reason Windows 11 has received some negative comments, but not as bad as for some of its past releases, is the new hardware requirements and especially the requirement for the TPM chip, but for some commentators the incompatibility was not with the TPM module but with the CPU itself, especially 32bit processors, as Windows 11 will only run on 64-bit Intel or AMD chips. Depending on a company’s refresh cycle, some organisations have already refreshed their fleet of PCs and Laptops and have been unaware that the CPU not the TPM chip would be responsible for incompatibility.
Although it would be fair to say that the longer companies take to migrate, the more complex the process is, some firms are adopting a wait and see approach especially when the support for Windows 10 doesn’t end till October 2025, So although Microsoft has stated it will not be releasing anymore features to Windows 10, save for security patches, some companies are asking if they really need to refresh fleets now — especially if they have just recently done it to support more Windows 11. And although as we have discussed above, the new OS has been designed to support and sustain hybrid work, sometimes he first iterations of a major release are not always bulletproof out of the box and require revisions and patches further down the line. Although Microsoft has said new features will be released with a yearly cadence, some firms are asking if it would be best to wait for the next hardware refresh to ensure compatible TPM and CPUS and an OS that has been out in the field with enough time to be stable.
While imitation is often the finest form of flattery, the look and feel of Windows some commentators have noted is aligning to that of Android and iOS and although, there are promises of better user experience that come with this UI, such as streamlined videocon-ferencing capabilities within Windows 11, users get used to where to find things and exe-cute things in a particular environment. When features and access menus are changed, users need more time or more training to access the features and tools they are familiar with as the user interface (UI) takes some time to navigate and adjust to which may brief-ly cause a dip in productivity or an increase in tickets to your help desk.
Usually on a major release, you usually see speeds and feeds that exclaim how much fast-er the latest version of the OS is, compared to the last one. And although Intel’s Thread Director—an API that works between the CPU core and the OS for performance and efficiency improvements, is designed to work for both Windows 10 and 11, the folks at PC World didn’t find that tests with an Intel core didn’t see any major or significant improve-ments in performance of Windows 11 vs Windows 10. However, we do note that only a few functionalities of Intel’s Thread Director are available for Windows 10 versus 11 and further.
Perhaps the most controversial IT topic right now is the rapid development and deploy-ment of Artificial Intelligence onto devices, into the cloud and its potential impact, as we examined in last month’s Knowledge Exchange on AI and how companies respond to its adoption. With Windows 11, early demos hinted that AI technology such as the Windows Copilot AI assistant would be more deeply integrated with the new OS, according to Barry Collins at Techfinitive but this doesn’t seem to be the case for test releases:
“IT departments will have a big decision to make on whether to permit employees to use AI tools, with the inherent risks of AI-generated content not being accurate or reflective of company policy”, Collins said.
With the increasing migration to cloud and hybrid cloud environments, some commen-tators are predicting that in the future companies may be moving to a more Open Source Model where companies will ditch the OS licensing fees in favour of paying for engineer-ing expertise and support. Like in the old mainframe days or the Network Computing days, Oracle’s Larry Ellison promised us in the 1990s, the applications, storage, security, and processing power returns to the “centre” and away from the endpoint in a Desktop-as-a-Service model, which is being utilised by the healthcare and financial companies where privacy of personal information is very important. However, with the Hybrid Work Model, we have seen the request for more powerful endpoints able to provide performance for collaboration tools (Zoom, Teams, Webex) in addition to the normal workload. And with the Cloud and SaaS model used for most of the software/applications, not only the CPU performance but also the connectivity performance of a PC becomes important.
Apart from security patches, Microsoft has announced there will be no new features developed for Windows 10 in the next couple of years and in consideration of how fast technology and security vulnerability moves, in addition to the sudden surge in hybrid working, it would seem prudent to consider migrating to Windows 11 when it makes sense to in the next couple of years or at least planning PC fleet refreshes with compara-ble hardware, especially CPUs. Consider aligning training of the new interface before or whilst rolling out the new OS, not after and ensure help desk staff are familiar with the FAQs that come with all software upgrades to reduce dips in staff productivity the new system was supposed to improve. And make sure you are in step with the latest security features the new OS offers to help fend off new and nefarious attacks into your central and remote environments. In addition, with new loads on CPUs for Windows 11ing or remote access to applications in the cloud it would seem for the increasing adoption of WFH and WFA, Windows 11 migration is a good step in order to take your organization one notch above your competition.
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