Microsoft is moving ahead with the development of Windows Home Server and a Community Technology Preview of the product has been released to beta testers. Windows Home Server is designed to be at the core of multi-PC home networks, delivering storage, sharing, remote access and security capabilities. The beta testers involved in the development of Windows Home Server have been able to access the new CTP build as of yesterday, April 18, 2007.

At this time there are in excess of 60,000 testers involved in the Windows Home Server beta program. Still, Microsoft has not closed the sign-ups. So if you are interested in test-driving Windows Home Server, Microsoft is still accepting participation requests. "CTP is an exciting milestone for the team on the road to final release. As always, those interested in participating in the beta program can apply here. We're looking forward to hearing the feedback!" said Joel Sider, Sr. Product Manager, Windows Server PR.

According to Joel, the Windows Home Server CTP introduces a comprehensive and simplified "out of the box" experience. In this context, Microsoft enables WHS users to customize and set up the Windows Home Server from any computer in the home. With the previous beta builds WHS configuration was limited to the server.

"You can now set up and configure Remote Access capabilities from the Windows Home Server Console, including selection of a personalized web address from the Windows Live Custom Domains service. You can enable or disable home network health notifications and can dictate where and when various notifications are displayed on their computers," Sider added.

With the release of the Windows Home Server Software Development Kit, Microsoft is also enabling users to manage add-ins designed for the product.