Dell Tells Intel: Open Up AMT

In a further snub to Intel http://www.intel.com, the world’s largest PC maker, Dell http://www.dell.com, today said it was favoring client remote management standards that are under development by the Distributed Management

“It's true we're investing in and encourage standards-based systems management technologies,” said Liem Nguyen, a Dell spokesman.  “That's why we're working with Intel and other industry leaders within the DMTF to develop standards for client remote management – standards that we hope to see supported in the future by IAMT (Intel Active Management Technology).”

Intel’s Active Management Technology is one of the pillars of the microprocessor maker’s vPro platform, first announced in April and now shipping. Intel intends vPro to function as a brand for the enterprise http://www.edn.com/article/CA6327562.html much in the way Centrino did as a brand for mobile computers.

Intel first announced AMT two years ago as a technology that would enable IT managers to cut down on desk side visits by enabling more remote maintenance activities. However, the technology only worked with Intel-based systems, so IT managers could not take full advantage of the functionality if they purchased any AMD-based systems for their enterprises.

Although Intel is a member of the DMTF, AMT still works only with Intel-based systems.

Dell has not yet offered any systems based on Intel’s vPro platform, but the spokesman said it is “testing and evaluating vPro for potential adoption in our product line.” Dell has provided no time line for if and when it would offer vPro-based products.

Dell previously had only offered computers based on Intel microprocessors, but this year announced that it would also offer AMD microprocessor-based computers.

Dell today announced two new Optiplex desktop computers, the Optiplex 740, based on an AMD processor and the Optiplex 320 based on an Intel processor.  The 740 marks the first business desktop from Dell to include an AMD processor.

The 720 uses an AMD Athlon64 x2 Dual-Core processor and offers built in security with preloaded tools to enable administrators to easily configure and manage data encryption, providing Trusted Platform Module 1.2-enabled password protection, secure email, and optional smart-card keyboards and biometric readers, Dell said in a statement.

The entry-level Optiplex 320 offers Intel  Pentium D dual-core processors as well as discrete graphics options with dual-display support for growing businesses that require easily deployable and manageable desktops at a low initial investment.

AMD declared another victory on Tuesday, announcing that Gateway is now offering servers based on AMD Opteron processors.