Microsoft and Intel help SMEs Achieve More with Modern Devices

Microsoft and Intel today announced the availability of a range of Windows 10 Pro devices powered by the Intel vPro® platform for small and medium Enterpirses (SMEs) in India. Whether in remote or hybrid working models, modern devices can help employees stay connected and productive, safeguard against security threats and manage remote deployments in a fast and flexible manner. Understanding the significant challenges that SMEs/ SMBs face with 4+ years or older PCs in terms of performance, productivity, security and manageability, this new range of modern devices provides them with the agility for adapting to a constantly changing world.

Farhana Haque, Group Director - Devices, Microsoft India, said, “As small and medium businesses in the country embrace hybrid models of working, investments in modern technology are accelerating. Businesses today need systems that are robust yet flexible to handle the evolution of the new normal. The new line of modern Windows 10 Pro devices powered by the Intel vPro® platform will give employees the tools to work confidently and securely and help them rise to any challenge. Improving workforce productivity, enhancing security and reducing overall costs are top of mind for SMBs and refreshing older devices periodically can truly help them do more.”

Productivity

According to a 2019 TechAisle survey of nearly 2000 SMBs in India, organizations with PCs that are 4+ years old and running older OS experienced more than double productivity losses as compared to newer PCs. Windows 10 Pro devices powered by the Intel vPro® platform help:

• Multitask seamlessly across apps by up to 35% faster
• Use applications remotely without issues, reducing app performance by up to 3x
• Increase overall performance by up to 40%
• Collaborate and communicate with ease on Microsoft Teams
• Explore Microsoft Edge, the web browser with world-class compatibility, performance, control, and security

Safeguard Business

Respondents to the TechAisle survey regarded data protection and recovery as among their topmost IT challenges and security was the topmost feature considered during purchase. Modern devices can help:

• Prevent up to 99.9% of identity attacks by turning on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Defend from accidental data loss by encrypting business information using Windows Information Protection (WIP)
• Protect device integrity against startup attacks with Windows Defender System Guard
• Protect business information, even on lost or stolen devices with BitLocker​ encryption
• Minimize risk of malicious code injection with Intel® Hardware Shield
• Reduce impact of interruptions with routine security functions of Intel® Hardware Shield

Deploy Faster

Around 95% of surveyed SMBs agreed that adopting new PCs has reduced overall maintenance costs. Windows 10 Pro powered by the Intel vPro® platform can save the IT teams of SMBs both time and money with out-of-the-box deployment and remote management capabilities. Modern devices help:

• Reduce support calls by 40%^<6>
• Reduce provisioning cycle time from weeks to days with Windows Autopilot and centrally located documents in the cloud
• Improve overall IT efficiency
• Keep devices up to date with latest security defenses and Windows features by directly connecting these systems to Windows Update service
• Reduce overall PC maintenance and administrative costs with Intel® Active Management Technology

Roshni Das, Director - Marketing, Intel India, said, “Hybrid working models are here to stay and Intel remains committed to delivering PC innovation that enables small and medium businesses enhance productivity and security in this new normal. Intel’s vPro platform brings unmatched performance, comprehensive hardware-based security, connectivity, and remote manageability, solving for critical IT pain points and to meet the evolving needs of employees. Combined with our rich ecosystem collaborations, the integrated, built-for-business Intel vPro platform delivers the simplicity, agility, and efficiencies small and medium businesses need for success.”

New Windows 10 PCs are a highly strategic investment for SMBs to succeed in the modern workplace. Some of the latest features in the new devices include:

• Hardware-to-OS security reporting for enhanced security of devices, identities and data
• Solid-state drive (SSD) bootup for swifter startup time than hard drives
• Business-class performance out of the box to improve app performance
• Long-lasting battery life that can help power through the day
• Biometric security sensors (fingerprint readers and infrared cameras) for multi-factor authentication

Dedicated to protecting the safety and health of every person and honoring its commitment to environmental sustainability, Microsoft partners with recycling organizations, joins forces with collection schemes, and works with supply chain partners to facilitate the return and end-of-life management process of devices, batteries, and packaging. Intel is also committed to creating a more sustainable world through their RISE strategy and works with OEMs, retailers, customers, and distributors to identify shared solutions for recycling products.