14 DAY TRIAL // When Microsoft introduced Windows Home Server in early January 2007, the company pointed to Hewlett-Packard as the main partner that will be at the forefront of companies delivering the new product into the market. As of the first week of November, HP's MediaSmart Server built around Windows Home Server is available for pre-orders. Microsoft announced that the device will ship to customers by the end of the month.
Initially, Microsoft and HP had planned the availability of MediaSmart Server for earlier this year. Windows Home Server was released to manufacturing in mid July. Still, after the operating system shipped to original equipment manufacturers, Microsoft announced the release of the first update for Windows Home Server, enhancing the product's usability and general user experience. As HP decided to wait for the update in order to integrate it with MediaSmart Server, the product slipped in November.
"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."
Windows Home Server is designed to be placed at the heart of a home network delivering content protection, sharing and remote access capabilities. HP's MediaSmart Server will be delivered in two flavors, a 500GB version costing $599 and a 1TB model with a price tag of $749.
"As more and more entertainment content goes digital, people increasingly want a simple way to access, store and enjoy the wide range of photos, personal videos, music and films they enjoy at home. HP and Microsoft have worked closely to bring to market a powerful, breakthrough solution for today's digital lifestyle that lets people personalize the how, when and where of entertainment", revealed John Orcutt, senior vice president of the Managed Home Business at HP.