Windows Home Server Has Grown to a Phenomenon

When Microsoft initially unveiled Windows Home Server at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, in early January 2007, the new consumer software product has been received with a healthy dose of skepticism. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates had showcased the product formerly codenamed Q and Quattro and revealed that Microsoft sees a Windows Home Server at the heart of every multi-PC home network.

However, despite the initial cold reception of Windows Home Server, the anticipation has been building up and the product promises to be a success. Just last week, the Windows Home Server team announced that they have issued no less than 10,000 invitations to the second beta of the product. And at the end of last week, Joel Sider, Sr. Product Manager, Windows Server PR Microsoft, revealed that the number of requests for beta participation had surpassed 40,000.

Up until this point, Microsoft has not announced what will the participation limit be on Windows Home Server beta 2 program. However, last time he was addressing this subject, Sider revealed that the Windows Home Server team was sending invitations out by the truck load.

With the first release of Windows Home Server, Microsoft is keen on delivering a centralization solution built on Windows, automatic multi-PC backup and simple restore, easily expandable reliable centralized storage and anywhere access.

However, as Windows Home Server will evolve, a suite of features will be added. The Redmond Company revealed that Windows Home Server will cover the following aspects in the future: PC & Network Management, Home Network Infrastructure, Data Protection, Publishing & Sharing, Communications, Entertainment, Family Applications, support for 3rd Party Platform and an Enthusiast Playground.