Red Hat is building a software platform to support virtual appliances optimised for Intel vPro desktop PCs. Such appliances will provide functions like network security, provisioning, monitoring and asset management that are separate from the host operating system the user sees.

Red Hat said it will provide the virtual hypervisor, service operating system and software development kit (SDK) that will enable IT departments and systems integrators to build virtual appliances. A beta version of the software is expected later this year and a general release is planned for 2008.

“This brings a virtual Linux co-processor inside every managed business desktop. Applications will be loaded right onto it, so you quickly provision new appliances, and download management tools,” said Red Hat chief technology officer Brian Stevens.

Intel's vPro desktop platform has hardware support for virtualisation, and the firm has previously floated the idea of using the technology to create a service partition for management and security tools that is separate from Windows and able to protect it against attack.

“I can see the day when open source software will be used to make Windows manageable and secure,” quipped Stevens.

Red Hat said it will work with Intel on bringing the virtual appliance OS to market.

"Intel and Red Hat have a long history of technology collaboration, and this project will unlock the capabilities of the advanced business PC towards improved operational efficiencies," said Intel's Doug Fisher.