Quoting ITWire

vPro improves the remote manageability of PCs and provides a way of running security software outside the operating system.

Red Hat's project, to be carried out in collaboration with Intel, will provide a standard environment allowing software vendors to create virtual appliances for tasks such as network security, provisioning, monitoring and asset management. These appliances would be able to run regardless of the operating system presented to the user.

"[T]his project will unlock the capabilities of the advanced business PC towards improved operational efficiencies," said Doug Fisher, vice president and general manager of Intel's system software division. "The virtual appliance capability built into the operating environment of business PCs coupled with technologies such as Intel Virtualization Technology and Intel Active Management Technology will enable a new level of solutions from the software ecosystem."

A beta of the virtual appliance OS is expected before the end of the year, with a general release in 2008.

Just over a year ago, Symantec announced a collaboration with Intel to build security solutions for vPro PCs. A product is expected by the end of this quarter.

Read the original, here.

Thanks to Richard Cardona for the news.