Intel on Monday introduced a new brand for business PCs dubbed vPro, which serves as a chip platform much like Intel's Centrino for mobile computers and Viiv for entertainment systems. vPro brings to the table the second generation of Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) and built-in virtualization.

AMT is designed to ease management of workstations for businesses, offering the ability to diagnose and repair PCs, even if the operating system has crashed or hardware has failed. Administrators could also use AMT to isolate systems infected with spyware or viruses.

Intel's Virtualization Technology (VT) allows software to create multiple virtual machines within a single PC. The company claims this will boost security by allowing for a "tamper-resistant service environment" for specific tasks. Symantec has partnered with Intel to build security solutions that run separately from the operating system.

“This technology significantly advances desktop PCs and will quite simply offer businesses security and manageability like never before – all on one of the most powerful and energy-efficient PCs in the market," said Intel vice president William A. Swope in prepared remarks.

vPro will be powered by an Intel Core dual-core "Conroe" processor, and contain integrated graphics that the company says will be cable of running Windows Vista's new user interface. PCs with the vPro branding will ship widely in the third quarter, with vPro notebook systems expected next year.