14 DAY TRIAL // It's a new delay season over at the Microsoft. Earlier this week the Redmond company announced that it was pushing the release to manufacturing date for Windows Server 2008, formerly codenamed Longhorn, from 2007 to the first quarter of 2008. Microsoft' plans for the launch party of Windows Server 2008 have not shifted in the least and are still targeting late February 2008. However, Windows Server 2008 is not the sole server operating system delayed. In fact, the company has managed to pull a first, announcing the postponing of a software product after the code went gold.
After it had RTMed on July 16, Microsoft and HP were getting ready to make Windows Home Server available on top of the MediaSmart Server on September 15. This is no longer the case as Todd Headrick, the product planner for the Microsoft Windows Home Server revealed. Although Windows Home Server RTM built was supposed to be the final version of the product and despite the fact that Microsoft has already begun selling the server OS to system builders worldwide also preparing the delivery of a 120 day evaluation edition, the company decided, well past the last minute, that the code could do with some more hammering.
"We've identified a number of ways to make the product even better since the initial release, as with most Microsoft products, updates to Windows Home Server will be automatically available throughout the lifecycle of the product and the WHS team is working on an update that will be available in September. These updates will enhance the usability and improve the out-of-the-box experience of home server solutions. Additional updates will occur over the lifespan of the product as we receive feedback from the user community, our hardware partners and software partners. Microsoft's current plan is to make this update available as part of the monthly Windows Updates process in September," Headrick explained.
In this context it seems that Microsoft is continuing with the tradition started with Windows Vista - updating a brand new operating system on the first boot. Headrick informed that Windows Home Server passed through the hands of in excess of 100,000 testers throughout its development stages. It seems a tad odd that after the final milestone and once it shipped to HP, Windows Home Server suddenly needs to be updated.
"HP has decided to include these first software updates in their MediaSmart Server. Both HP and Microsoft believe that these updates are in the best interest of potential customers and will insure the best out-of-the-box experience. All of our Windows Home Server partners and customers will automatically receive the update once posted to Windows Update. Windows Home Server has come a long way from its inception, and we're excited to deliver an integrated product that delivers on its full range of features, and is easy for everyone in the family to use and enjoy," Headrick added.