Windows Home Server Beta 2 has generated an overwhelming amount of response, according to Microsoft. For a product that was announced in January 2007 at CES, and virtually anonymous before that date, the figures Microsoft put forward are indeed impressive. Todd Headrick, product planner for the Microsoft Windows Home Server revealed that in excess of 20,000 persons have already filled the survey required for being nominated as a participant in the Windows Home Server Beta 2 program.

The Beta 2 survey has passed the 20,000 milestone in just the second day since the program debuted. Moreover, it seems that the rate of submissions is constant as in the first 24 hours since opening the Windows Homer Server Beta 2, Microsoft received responses from over 10,000 people from 107 countries. Currently, the number of countries has increased to 111 and one survey is being filled each 7 seconds.

"We are putting the finishing touches on the Connect Site for Windows Home Server Beta 2 and trying to figure out who will be the lucky ones and who will be sorely disappointed ... needless to say - we don't really want to dissappoint anybody. Thanks in advance for your patience," Headrick said.

Windows Home Server Beta 2 participants will be able to download the software and burn it onto DVDs and CDs. Following this initial step, they will have to install the Windows Home Server software on a computer dedicated to this role only and then deploy the Windows Home Server Connector software onto the machines in the household. Additionally, Microsoft will provide the Home Computer Restore CD, enabling testers to restore a PC from the backup stored via Windows Home Server.

"We are trying to provide an option for people in certain geographies with the ability to order Disk Kits and charge simply on a 'cost recovery' basis for those who do not have the means for burning their own DVDs and CDs. The Disk Kit option will not be available for all geographies - and information about this option will be posted on our Connect site, if and when you get accepted into the program," Headrick added.