Windows Server Is Almost Home
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Microsoft has released the first Windows Home Server Release Candidate. It's available at Microsoft Connect. |
Microsoft notified beta testers of the software's availability within the last 90 minutes or so. In an earlier e-mail, Microsoft warned beta testers that they would have to start fresh when moving to the RC, meaning that all backups and data shares would be wiped away.
RC testers will be able to make the release code upgrade without the same kind of hardship.
The RC is an important milestone for Windows Home Server, which Microsoft only announced in January. While the software is designed for consumers, they won't be able to purchase it at retail. Microsoft will only offer the software to OEMs and system builders so most people will get the software and the hardware together.
Microsoft used a similar approach with the XP versions of Media Center and Tablet PC.
The software is a version of Windows Server 2003 R2 with some of the complexity stripped out. Many server tasks are now automated, including backups and file shares, and there will be synchronicity with Windows Live OneCare.
Manufacturers planning to release Windows Home Server include Acer, Hewlett-Packard and LaCie.
Please listen to our podcast with Steven VanRoekel, director of Microsoft's Windows Server Solutions Group, for an in-depth look at the software.
Related Posts:
- What's What with Windows Home Server?, Microsoft Watch Podcast, May, 15, 2007
- Windows Server Is Coming Home, Microsoft Watch, May 15, 2007
- Windows Home Server Reaches Beta 2, Microsoft Watch, Feb. 13, 2007
- Live from CES, Microsoft Watch, January 8, 20007
- Windows Home Server Predictions, Microsoft Watch, January 8, 2007
- Microsoft Connects the Den and Living Room, Microsoft Watch, January 7, 2007
- The Ghost of CES Future, Microsoft Watch, Jan. 3, 2006
Comments (2)
"Microsoft used a similar approach with the XP versions of Media Center and Tablet PC."
Yes, two shining success stories. At what point does stubborn determination become bone-headed foolishness? Steve Ballmer needs to ask that question every morning when he shaves.
Posted by Ed T | June 12, 2007 10:16 PM
Joe , you should comment on the Windows Home Server , may be about its features, roadmap or its targeted market ...etc
We don't need a columnist to make product annoucement on behalf of the vendor. We want to read some critical comments
Please check with HR your job functions
Posted by Pepper | June 13, 2007 5:55 AM