QUT goes vPro to the tune of AU$3m

Queensland University of Technology has rolled out 2,000 vPro-enable Hewlett-Packard PCs in a deal with provider Leading Solutions worth AU$3 million.

The deal, originally inked in October last year, will see the desktops and notebooks across QUT's three campuses -- some 6,000 machines -- replaced with Intel vPro and Centrino Pro models over a three-year rolling cycle.

Leading Solutions team leader Paul Cranitch said that by implementing vPro technology, such as out-of-band management, QUT was able to reduce the number of in-person support visits, leading to more staff being redeployed to 'higher value' tasks supporting the university's business needs.

QUT began using the remote management features of vPro in February this year on the 2,000 HP Compaq dc7700 desktop PCs already rolled out and chose Microsoft SMS (Systems Management Server) to manage its computers.

As part of the deal, Leading Solutions expects to supply 1,000 HP Compaq dc7800 desktops by the end of the year.