One of the most visible products at CES, despite having been announced one full year ago, must be Microsoft Windows Home Server. From gigantic banner ads hanging on columns outside, to a children’s book entitled “Mommy Why is There a Server in the House?”, Microsoft’s PR machine has been set to high on this one.
It’s a novel concept: build a server that enables less tech-savvy users to take advantage of the same features a serious business server offers, but in the home. Make it easy to use, make it affordable, and make a huge marketing campaign to make people understand what it is.
I can definitely see the appeal of this, and I think Microsoft is doing a good job of tapping into that here at CES with their marketing. The concept of a server isn’t exactly an exciting one, and the campaign for the software is really necessary to drive home what it actually does.
And what does it do? It allows access to files on a home network while away from home. It makes backing up files on multiple computers easy. It allows media streaming in the home, for instance to an Xbox 360, and it allows health monitoring for connected systems. And more. A blog post won’t do it all justice, so I suggest checking out Microsoft’s page for full details.
I had a chance to check out Windows Home Server for myself, and while I wasn’t floored by what it can do in person, I didn’t really expect to be. It’s a utilitarian piece of software. There’s nothing too exotic about backing up data, or playing media files that happen to be on another computer, so it doesn’t make a great demonstration. But if computers are popping up everywhere in your home and you’re not quite techie enough to tie them all together on your own, Windows Home Server may be the easiest route to full server functionality.
Message Edited by ntmokey on
01-09-2008 05:46 PM
Nick Mokey
Official Future Shop Blogger for CES 2008
