14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft wrapped up the latest iteration of its home server operating system, and as promised, made the first downloads available.
At this point in time, Windows Home Server 2011, formerly codenamed Vail, can only be downloaded by customers with MSDN and TechNet subscriptions.
However, this situation is bound to change soon enough. Windows Home Server 2011 was released to manufacturing at the end of March 2011.
When the new release of the home server OS reached RTM, Microsoft indicated that the first downloads would go live in early April.
MSDN and TechNet subscribers were the first to get the Windows Home Server 2011 RTM bits, but more customers will be permitted to access the new release this month.
The software giant plans to offer a trial version of Windows Home Server 2011 RTM via the Download Center in the next few weeks. As is the case with all trial releases of Microsoft software, the test version of Windows Home Server 2011 RTM will be time-bombed.
This means that customers will get to use it for a limited period of time, after which the platform will expire.
“Starting today MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be able to download Windows Home Server 2011 for testing and evaluation purposes,” revealed a member of the Windows Home Server team.
“Stay tuned for further information on the evaluation experience for Windows Home Server 2011 releasing later this month.”
Starting in May 2011, customers worldwide will be able to buy the first OEM servers running Windows Home Server 2011 RTM.
According to Microsoft, original equipment manufacturers had started building such machines even before the RTM of the operating system.
A specific availability deadline for the trial version of Windows Home Server 2011 hadn’t been provided at the time of this article.