Microsoft has officially launched its Windows Home Server software, and numerous partners have announced dedicated Home Server hardware systems. Home Server systems automatically back up Windows XP and Vista computers, provide media management and sharing tools, and can integrate with online backup systems. The systems can accommodate multiple internal and external hard drives to increase storage capacity as needed.

Forthcoming dedicated Windows Home Server Systems include:

MediaSmart Server HP (comes with HP Photo Webshare software)
Available in November 2007 in a 500GB version for $599 and a 1TB model for $749.

Tranquil PC T7-HSA Tranquil Harmony Home Server (designed to be especially quiet and energy-efficient)
Available in November 2007 in 500GB and 1TB versions (no prices available).

Velocity Micro NetMagix HomeServer
Available in December 2007 with capacities starting at 500GB for $899.

Iomega HomeCenter Server
Available in early 2008 with one 500GB hard drive and four “easy-swap” drive.

Lifeware Lifestorage Entertainment and Automation Server
Available in early 2008.

Ace Computers, Advantec, PC Club, and Universal Systems are also offering customizable Windows Home Server systems, and Gateway has announced plans to sell a Windows Home Server system. Other companies that have announced plans to support Home Server with future products include LaCie, Seagate Technology, and Intel.

Microsoft has made its Home Server system open to third-party software developers. To date, more than 35 third-party applications have been created to add functions to Windows Home Server systems. Of particular note to photographers are Ed Holloway’s PhotoSync, an application that allows the Home Server to be configured to automatically upload photos to Flickr and Andrew Grant’s Whiist application for creating Web pages and photo albums on Windows Home Server.

System builders who want to purchase the Home Server software separately can pick it up for about $190 or try Microsoft’s 120-day free trial version. For more information about Windows Home Server, go to Microsoft’s Web site.

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