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Introduction
Intel vPro Processor Technology* is designed to improve management of PC systems and provide proac-
tive security. It is a combination of Intel AMT (Active Management Technology) and Intel VT (Virtualization
Technology).
Intel AMT provides several defense mechanisms against malicious software attacks:
• System Defense to monitor and control network traffic.
• Network Outbreak Containment to isolate a compromised system.
• Agent Presence to detect malfunctioning software.
In addition to the system protection Intel AMT provides, the hardware virtualization capabilities of Intel VT
allows for a “virtualized layer” of protection. This virtualized layer protection is accomplished by what is
known as a Virtual Appliance (VA).
The HP Compaq dc7800p Business PC is Intel vPro Processor Technology compliant.
The HP Compaq dc7700p Business PC is fully Intel vPro Processor Technology compliant and readily sup-
ports Virtual Appliances with the appropriate BIOS update. See “BIOS Requirements” on page 3 for
*details.
*The HP dc7800p and dc7700p PCs are enabled for Intel vPro Processor Technology. Some functionality of this technology, such as
Intel Active Management Technology and Intel Virtualization Technology, requires additional 3rd party software to run. Availability
of future “virtual appliance” applications for Intel vPro Processor Technology is dependant on 3rd party software providers. Compat-
ibility of this generation of Intel vPro Processor Technology-based hardware with future “virtual appliances” and Microsoft Windows
Vista operating system is yet to be determined.
What is Virtualization?
Virtualization is an abstraction layer that separates physical system resources from an operating system. It
allows a single processor to run multiple operating systems simultaneously and independently through the
use of a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM). A VMM is also known as a hypervisor and is software that han-
dles the sharing of system resources between different operating systems running beneath it.
Intel Virtualization Technology (VT) provides hardware support for virtualization. This simplifies the need
for complex VMM software. A Light-weight Virtual Machine Monitor (LVMM) can be used instead of a full
VMM.
What is a Virtual Appliance?
A Virtual Appliance is a virtualized environment that runs independently yet concurrently with the Client
Operating System (COS). It is transparent to the COS and the user. The purpose of a VA is to protect the
COS from malicious software attacks and provide automatic security updates without user intervention.
A VA is composed of several components: an LVMM, a Service OS (SOS), and embedded applications.
The LVMM, along with Intel VT, virtualizes the VA from the COS. The SOS executes the embedded appli-
cations within the VA. Using a management console, IT personnel can control a VA. VA packages are
available through third party vendors such as Symantec or Altiris.
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