By integrating management processors into the hardware, vPro lets administrators remotely access the PC "console" so "even if there is a blue screen of death" the PC can be controlled.

Hannath said vPro has been in development for the past three years and has software installed in the computers firmware that integrates with enterprise management tools from companies like Altiris and BMC Software.

The firmware also includes an embedded Web server for communication via HTTP to and from the PC.

For asset management, the machine's ID is stored in the firmware which is encrypted, according to Hannath.

PC makers including Acer Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., and Lenovo Group Ltd. have started introducing vPro-enabled desktop PCs for the mainstream business market.