In most cases, rather than fully replacing traditional systems management software applications within a corporation, the new hardware-assisted capabilities will make that software operate more efficiently. Kevin Unbedacht, senior platforms strategist at Altiris, a provider of IT asset management software and services, says that Intel's new Active Management Technology (AMT) is a good example.

Altiris' software has traditionally been able to analyze only those systems that are on and running an operating system. If a system is off, or not operating properly, the Altiris software can't collect a full inventory analysis.

By using the AMT capability embedded within the chip set of VPro systems, however, the Altiris tracking and inventory software can detect systems even when they are off or not operating properly.

In addition, flash memory inside the VPro chip set stores system information each time the PC is booted, providing up-to-date information on the system status. The out-of-band alerts enabled by AMT can allow an IT department to make a single dispatch call, instead of the two that have been traditionally required for analysis and repair, he sa.

The end result, Unbedacht says, is a hardware/software combo that can proactively monitor IT infrastructure instead of reacting only when something is wrong.