All Ivy Bridge processors also include Secure Key (for secure encryption) and OS Guard (to defends against attacks). Intel has teamed up with Accenture to provide 24/7 computer diagnostics and repair services to enterprise clients using ARROW (Accenture Remote Resolution Online Workforce solution).

The new chips are intended for use in ultrabooks, laptops, desktops, workstations and all-in-one PCs, as well as "intelligent systems" in retail, healthcare and manufacturing. These include medical diagnostic equipment, digital advertising signs and high definition video conferencing systems, which can make use of the Core vPro's compute performance and graphics capabilities to quickly process digital images.

Meanwhile, Lenovo and HP have both unveiled enterprise-class ultrabooks running on third-generation Intel Core vPro processors. The and the both have 14-inch screens, weigh less than two kilograms and are roughly 19mm thick.

"Thinner and lighter devices are not just nice to look at, there are a necessity to get the job done anywhere, at any time," said Rick Echevarria, vice president of the Intel Architecture Group. "These machines are built for business and engineered for security while delivering no-compromise user-centric experience."

The performance improvements also provide the processing power needed to handle big data sets and manipulate them faster. Echevarria said we are now at a point where big data applications are "finding their way from the data centre to the end point," adding that big data has become a "top tier concern for businesses".