Microsoft announces availability of Windows Home Server

November 5, 2007 – Microsoft has announced the general availability of its Windows Home Server software in the US, which offers a central solution for backing up Windows XP- and Vista-based computers and for storing digital media.

“Digital devices and content are everywhere in our day-to-day lives and they are more important all the time,” said Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft.  “With the launch of Windows Home Server, Microsoft and its partners are creating a new consumer product category that will help people keep their digital media safe and make it easier for them to enjoy it with friends and family.”

The software also comes with a free Windows Live Internet address, enabling users to access the home server from virtually anywhere and share content, as well as monitor the health and security status of computers connected to the network.

One of the first hardware products to be launched with the new software will be the HP MediaSmart Server, costing $599 in the US and shipping later this month.  Other products scheduled for launch include the Fujitsu Siemens Computers SCALEO Home Server 1900, offering 1 Terabyte of capacity, which will be available in Europe in late 2007.  Iomega have announced that the Iomega HomeCenter Server, offering one 500 Gigabyte hard drive and four “easy-swap” drive bays for storage expansion, will ship from early 2008.

Medion's Home Server will be launched in Europe later this year and will come with 2 Terabytes of capacity, offering universal plug-and-play media streaming based on PacketVideo PVConnect software. 

Third-party software developers have also announced compatibility with the new Windows Home Server software.  These include Embedded Automation, which has released the mControl add-in to provide home automation functionality.  SageTV LLC has released SageTV Media Server for Windows Media Server, enabling media streaming from Windows Home Server to any PC or Mac, at home or over the Internet.  WiLife has announced the release of Command Center Software version 2.1, a home security solution for Windows Home Server.