Microsoft has designed Windows Home Server as a consumer software product that will be bundled on hardware platforms produced by the Redmond Company's leading partners. At the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates showcased the product that Microsoft will market as the heart of every home network.

"As computers and digital media become more and more central to family life, we need better ways to organize, share and protect digital content and information at home," said Bill Gates. "Windows Home Server makes it easy for families to save, protect and access digital memories and experiences so they can focus on using technology to organize their day-to-day lives, explore their interests and share their memories with the people they care about."

Although both HP and Microsoft have failed to produce an actual date when they expect HP MediaSmart Server powered by Windows Home Server to be available on the market, Bill Gates has pointed to the second half of 2007 for the product's release.

"HP is working to help people get the most out of their home networks", said Satjiv Chahil, senior vice president of marketing in the Personal Systems Group at HP. "HP and Microsoft have worked closely throughout the respective development cycles of the HP MediaSmart Server and Windows Home Server software to create a simple yet compelling product for the digital home unlike any other on the market today."

To confirm these plans, HP has released a HP MediaSmart Server -Preliminary Datasheet containing the adjacent image of the server. "The versatile, powerful HP MediaSmart Server is a new solution for the file access and sharing sharing needs of the multi-PC digital home - helping you to maximize the power and potential of your home network", reads HP's description.