Intel and Real VNC

[Silverhazesurfer]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/realvnc-demos-bios-based-server-at-idf-2011-video/

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is one of the of oldest remote desktop solutions around, and while its RFB (remote framebuffer) protocol can require a little more bandwidth than the competition, it's long been praised for its broad cross-platform support and elegant simplicity. Last year, RealVNC teamed up with Intel to incorporate a bona fide VNC server (using hardware encryption native to vPro chipsets) into the oldest bit of PC firmware -- the BIOS. As such, you can securely control a remote computer's BIOS, mount a disk image, and install an OS from the comfort of your living room halfway across the globe. The future is now -- you're welcome. Take a look at RealVNC's IDF 2011 demo in the gallery below and our hand-on video after the break.

Remote access BIOS. Does not require that the TCP/IP stack be operational in order to remote into a machine. The video is a neat demonstration of the capability of this feature. Install an OS remotely, using a bootable image.

 

[Ian]

Very very clever indeed! That would be extremely handy, especially for remote hosting - looking forward to seeing this being used. Much easier than using an external bit of kit to provide remote access.