Modernize enterprise PC fleets to ensure AI ambitions deliver business success

Investing in the right kind of PCs helps businesses innovate, become more secure and adapt to new ways of working.

They also ensure that enterprises have a foundation from which to implement crucial AI-driven improvements that can boost productivity and growth.

According to Michael Nordquist, Corporate Vice President of Client Product Marketing at AMD, IT leaders are currently weighing the merits of upgrading to AI PCs.

“With Windows 10’s end of support approaching, IT decision-makers are caught between needing to invest and managing budget constraints,” he says. “Despite this, the buzz around AI is pushing IT leaders to consider how AI-enabled PCs can enhance productivity and manageability. AMD’s focus is on building AI PCs that both deliver classical reliability and offer a foundation for emerging AI functionalities.”

A new era of security and manageability

As enterprises upgrade to AI PCs, endpoint security will remain a priority. Nordquist, speaking in a CIO webcast, commented: “Since 2020 AMD has worked closely with Microsoft and OEM partners to better protect devices from firmware vulnerabilities and browser-based attacks. Today, we’re working together to embed future-ready AI capabilities like Microsoft Pluton into AI PCs for robust, hardware-based security.”

The effective management of enterprise PC fleets is crucial for security and productivity in a globally distributed, hybrid workforce. In the age of AI PCs, management processes will become increasing automated and self-service. Where IT does need to step in, they will be able to do so remotely.

“Thanks to advanced technologies like Microsoft Autopilot, IT teams can deploy PCs directly to employees’ homes with pre-loaded OS and automated system builds,” says Nordquist.

“When challenges arise, AI PC processors can step into the breach. Our AMD Ryzen™ PRO processors, for example, come with ‘autoband’ technology that quickly restores systems to a safe state in the event of system issues. Processors like these can ensure seamless provisioning, deployment, and maintenance processes, making the transition to AI PCs smooth and cost-effective.”

Powering the future of work

Once deployed, AI PCs will help enable new ways of working within enterprises.

According to Nordquist, one of the most important developments with AI PCs is the addition of Neural Processing Units (NPU), which are custom-built to run AI capabilities. Although NPUs have already been used for basic applications like video conferencing transcription, they promise to do much more.

“Microsoft Copilot + PCs are ushering in the next wave of AI experiences, leveraging large language models to create complex presentations and videos with just a few keystrokes. What started as novelty in software development—using AI to generate or validate code—has quickly become essential. If you’re not integrating AI, you’re falling behind,” adds Norquist.

For IT leaders considering making the move to AI PCs, weighing up the underlying technology will be critical. Nordquist concludes: “AMD has engineered our AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO systems to simplify IT challenges, integrating top-tier performance, security, manageability, and long battery life. With AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO processors, IT professionals can rest easy knowing that they are empowering workers with a tool that excels in every aspect necessary for modern computing. By empowering end users with high-performing PCs that also prioritize creative capabilities, we enable them to deliver the most value in their roles.”

Watch the whole webcast below.