The Windows Home Server is a Microsoft platform designed for deployment into home based environments with multiple machines. At the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates showcased Windows Home Server during his keynote speech.

Gates failed to deliver a detailed perspective on the product, but Microsoft revealed in a press release that Windows Home Server will be integrated into HP's MediaSmart Server, scheduled to be available in the second half of 2007.

Windows Home Server will centralize computers, devices and printers, delivering storage, protective and sharing capabilities to the digital content in a home environment. “If you have got multiple PCs, then you want files that are available all the time no matter which PCs are turned on or off, and you'd also like to have a server that when you just add just add storage it automatically takes advantage of that. You don't have to think about drive names or moving files around. In fact you get redundancy so that even if you have physical failures you have recoverability,” explained Gates in an interview with CNET.

According to Microsoft, as CES 2007 moves forward, AMD, Inventec Corp. and Quanta Computer Inc. and others will showcase hardware reference designs for Windows Home Server. The Redmond Company additionally revealed that Windows Home Server can act as a platform for products for the digital home delivered by third-party software vendors.

“Windows Home Server automatically backs up home PCs and provides a central location for storing a family’s photographs, music, videos and documents. Using a personalized Windows Live™ Internet address, people will be able to remotely access digital content on Windows Home Server when they are away from home”, stated Microsoft.