Intel has announced the availability of its new sixth generation Core vPro processors. Consumers have had access to Skylake processors for several months now, and Intel is now bringing the enterprise side of things up to speed. For the most part, the vPro chips will function like their regular Core counterparts; albeit with a few additional features for businesses.
These new Core vPro processors will feature Intel Authenticate, a new hardware level multi-factor authentication system. Intel Authenticate is designed to enhance enterprise level security by providing up to three additional layers of user verification. The additional hardened factors could be anything from personal identification numbers, to hardware – like a smartphone, or even biometric verification. Intel isn’t going into specifics yet, although the company is still saying that it is only previewing Intel Authenticate at this point.
Aside from the extra security, the Core vPro processors will also be fitted with Intel Unite – Intel’s wireless workplace connectivity and communications solution. Essentially, this allows computers to be connected to additional devices in the work (like projectors) without the need to look for cables. Intel Unite has been available since the middle of last year, and Intel has expanded its capabilities with OS X support and auto-disconnect.
New enterprise class notebooks featuring the new sixth generation Intel Core vPro should begin appearing in stores soon enough. Intel was also careful to point out that the vPro processors would support Windows 7, 8, and 10; mostly because Microsoft is changing how Windows will be supported on newer processors.
