Red Hat to Build Virtual Appliance OS for Managing Intel vPro-based Desktops

Red Hat to Build Virtual Appliance OS for Managing Intel vPro-based Desktops

Red Hat (NYSE: RHT), the world’s leading provider of open source solutions, today announced a joint program with Intel Corporation to deliver a Red Hat-branded software platform that supports desktop PCs with Intel vPro™ Processor technology. This exciting collaboration will bring the power of hardware-assisted virtualization to business desktop computing. For customers the compelling benefits include reduced management costs, improved operational efficiency and dramatically reduced exposure to security threats &mdash regardless of the client operating system.

“The legacy desktop falls short in its ability to provide a secure, reliable and manageable environment,” said Brian Stevens, CTO at Red Hat. “Intel vPro technology combined with a Red Hat Virtual Appliance OS will allow customers to create a rock-solid foundation that can then provision, manage and secure the PC. This technology will reduce operational costs and increase operational flexibility. We are delighted to partner with Intel on this project.”

Using a PC with Intel vPro™ Processor technology, IT will be able to deploy appliances in a virtual machine that bring enterprise-class management and security to the PC. The Appliance OS from Red Hat will support pluggable Virtual Appliances, available through ISVs, to deliver end-to-end manageability. Virtual Appliances can be used to enable functions such as network security, provisioning, monitoring and asset management, regardless of the state of the desktop OS. In collaboration with Intel, Red Hat plans to develop, productize and support the necessary software components, including the hypervisor, the Service OS and Software Development Kit (SDK).

“Intel and Red Hat have a long history of technology collaboration, and this project will unlock the capabilities of the advanced business PC towards improved operational efficiencies,” said Doug Fisher, Intel Vice President and General Manager System Software Division. “The virtual appliance capability built into the operating environment of business PCs coupled with technologies such as Intel® Virtualization Technology and Intel® Active Management Technology will enable a new level of solutions from the software ecosystem.”

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