Posted on 10-Jan-2007 08:55
| Filed under: News
: Windows
Microsoft is teaming up with HP and other industry partners to introduce a new class of home computing device. The new server platform was unveiled by Microsoft's Chairman Bill Gates during his 2007 International CES Keynote.
The produce is delivered on hardware from partners and helps families with multiple PCs connect their home computers, digital devices and printers, in order to store, protect and share their digital content including photos, music, videos and documents.
The system can automatically back up home PCs, centralizing the household's digital content and allowing access to it away from home.
HP plans to deliver the HP MediaSmart Server, powered by Windows Home Server software later in 2007 but an early version is being shown during the CES.
Windows Home Server customers can use a personalized Windows Live Internet address to connect to Windows Home Server from outside of the home. As a result, they can share photos with friends and family and enjoy music and videos while out. Families can use the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system or other Windows Media Connect-supported devices to view or listen to digital media stored on Windows Home Server, as well. They can also connect a printer to Windows Home Server in order to print from any connected PC in the home.
Because Windows Home Server is a software platform planned to be “always on” Microsoft sees this as an opportunity for independent software vendors to build new products for the digital home.
Windows Home Server will eventually be delivered through other hardware partners. At CES this week AMD is announcing the AMD LIVE! Home Media Server, a reference design platform for Windows Home Server. Inventec Corp. and Quanta Computer Inc. are also demonstrating hardware reference designs, complementing the HP MediaSmart Server product demonstrated in Bill Gates’ keynote address and in the Microsoft booth. The HP MediaSmart Server offers massive storage capacity through four hard drive bays and four USB ports. It also comes equipped with HP Photo Webshare.
