Intel unveils web-based PC management

Intel has launched an experimental service that enables PCs with its Active Management Technology (AMT) to be managed from anywhere in the world via the web.

Announced on Intel's Software Network blog, the AMT Management Service requires a special agent to be deployed on each computer, after which they show up on the web site and can be managed by anyone with an authorised log-in.

The software is experimental at this stage, but is aimed at small businesses, firms with laptop users who move around a lot, or any organisation that lacks a central server-based infrastructure from which to manage client systems.

Intel senior architect Ylian Saint-Hilaire said that the service provides all the features of AMT, such as monitoring and managing computers remotely regardless of their power state or whether the operating system will start.

Organisations interested in trying the service can create a free account, then download and install the Manageability Commander Mesh Edition tool to create agents for all computers on the network. There are also several video tutorials on the site to help users get started.

Intel is not the only firm readying cloud-based management tools for businesses. Microsoft kicked off the beta for its forthcoming Windows Intune service in April that delivers management and security via a web console.