Windows Home Server 2011 is Ready for Release

[Airbot]

Today, the Home Server engineering team signed off the release version of WHS 2011. An exciting milestone which now starts the process to make it available for purchase.
Affordable and easy-to-use, Windows Home Server 2011 is the ideal solution to help families keep their important digital files and data automatically backed up, organized, and accessible from virtually anywhere.
To help with questions we hear during this time of the product release cycle, I have provided further guidance below. If you have a specific question, please feel free to post in comments, on our WHS forum.

• When will OEM’s offer WHS 2011? Many OEM’s and System Builders have already started building specific form factors and solutions based on WHS 2011. We expect to start seeing them in the market starting May.
• What languages is WHS 2011 available in? WHS 2011 will be released in 19 languages including Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan), Chinese (Hong Kong), Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish.
• When will the Evaluation for WHS 2011 be made available? The evaluation experience for WHS 2011 will be released in early April.
• When will I be able to download WHS 2011 via my TechNet or MSDN subscription? WHS 2011 will be made available on MSDN and TechNet also in early April.
• What is the difference between V1 of WHS and WHS 2011? You can learn more about differences in our comparison datasheet.

more..

 

[z3r010]

Great news, I cant wait to get it up and running.

 

[pparks1]

It will be interesting to see if this barely used product grows with this release or dies with this release. Overall, I'm unsure about it's potential success without drive extender and with HP getting out the Media Smart hardware game.

Drive extended was the #1 thing that I would have used this product for. I already do image based backups, so no real gains there.

 

[Crispy]

Windows Home Server 2011 Reaches RTM

Microsoft has released Windows Home Server 2011, formerly codenamed Vail, to manufacturing. This means that original equipment manufacturers around the world will now receive the RTM bits and start bundling the OS with consumer-oriented server offerings.

According to the software giant, a variety of OEMs as well as System Builders have already been hard at work putting together Windows Home Server 2011 solutions and form factors.

Specific availability deadlines weren’t provided, but the company expects the first WHS 2011 servers to hit store shelves as early as May 2011.

“Affordable and easy-to-use, Windows Home Server 2011 is the ideal solution to help families keep their important digital files and data automatically backed up, organized, and accessible from virtually anywhere,” revealed a member of the Windows Home Server team.

Unlike the first version of WHS, Microsoft aligned its development efforts for Windows Home Server 2011 with those for such server platforms as Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials.

Since business customers and consumers don’t exactly share the same necessities in terms of their server operating system, the company decided to favor the first in the detriment of the later.

Windows Home Server 2011 no longer sports Drive Extender, a feature which allowed multiple hard drives to be pooled together in a simple volume seamlessly.

Source: Windows Home Server 2011 Reaches RTM - Softpedia

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
OK trying to teach marketing to one of the world largest companies probably isn't a likely winner -- but putting a DATE in a products name tends to make the product seem obsolete YEARS before it becomes so --unless that's also part of the "Forced Upgrade" path.

I'm still using Windows 2003 server --still a FIRST CLASS product even though it looks by the name a real Dinosaur sounding title.

Haven't yet found ANY Windows server successor product that even begins to compare with W2K3 server and some versions DO allow more than 4GB -- even on x-86 you can actually use up to 64 GB on W2K3 server R2 Enterprise edition,

Cheers
jimbo

 

[DeaconFrost]

I have been very happy with the RC version, so I'll be using this as soon as it is released. I built a server with a RAID card in it, so the loss of Drive Extender won't bother me that much. There are also several 3rd party plug-ins that are restoring DE's functionality, so I honestly am a long way from calling this a failed product.

 

[Gbsnplr]

I have been very happy with the RC version, so I'll be using this as soon as it is released. I built a server with a RAID card in it, so the loss of Drive Extender won't bother me that much. There are also several 3rd party plug-ins that are restoring DE's functionality, so I honestly am a long way from calling this a failed product.

Can you list some of the 3rd party plug ins? Drive extender is a very useful feature for me.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Can you list some of the 3rd party plug ins? Drive extender is a very useful feature for me.

A quick Google search will tell you everything you need to know, but here's a link to get you started. These have been announced quite some time ago, soon after DE's removal was announced.

Windows Home Server 2011 – Third Party Drive Extender Replacements « PricklyTech

 

[Gbsnplr]

Thanks

 

[DeaconFrost]

What I forgot to add above is, that even though they've been announced and in beta for a while, I haven't seen anything listing them as final. I'm thinking the developers are waiting to see the final code of Vail before declaring their add-in ready. I also haven't seen any final info on cost...if the add-ins will be free, or up to $20 for a lifetime license.

 

[Tinkerdog]

For those who miss Drive Extender, you can try out Amahi at

Amahi Home Server - Making Home Networking Simple

Version 6 is basically free, with paid subscriptions for advanced apps. Version 5 is ALL free and still available online.

 

[DeaconFrost]

None of the 3rd party alternatives work as well, or offer the compatibility that WHS does. I don't see a reason to skip the product just because of Drive Extender. I bought a PCI-E RAID card for $70 that will accomplish roughly the same functionality, without as much wasted space.

 

[pparks1]

None of the 3rd party alternatives work as well, or offer the compatibility that WHS does. I don't see a reason to skip the product just because of Drive Extender. I bought a PCI-E RAID card for $70 that will accomplish roughly the same functionality, without as much wasted space.

The entire point of Windows Home Server was a drop dead simple to use file server for home users who don't know how to setup and manage servers. For enthusiasts and such, buying a RAID card and setting up and managing their own RAID configuration will be tolerable...but for the intended market of Windows Home Server....I think this is way over the top.

It's like saying that Linksys would release a new router that didn't have 2 interfaces, so instead, you can just buy a barebones box, put 2 network cards into it, install Linux on it and set up IP Masquerading for routing traffic to the Internet. This is a very doable solution and offers more benefits, however it's not for the average joe.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I know, we've gone back and forth about the RAID card in a home server before. The problem is, WHS didn't sell too much to "the average joe". For those that did, they bought a preconfigured box, and WHS 2.0 will be sold the very same way, most likely with one of these 3rd party plug-ins already installed, ready to go. For the other segment, like us enthusiasts, adding in a RAID card or installing a simple plug-in won't be a big deal.

All I'm saying is...DE's removal won't be a deal killer in the end. The community was afraid of that early on, but those fears have gone by the wayside.

 

[bobtran]

I know, we've gone back and forth about the RAID card in a home server before. The problem is, WHS didn't sell too much to "the average joe". For those that did, they bought a preconfigured box, and WHS 2.0 will be sold the very same way, most likely with one of these 3rd party plug-ins already installed, ready to go. For the other segment, like us enthusiasts, adding in a RAID card or installing a simple plug-in won't be a big deal.

All I'm saying is...DE's removal won't be a deal killer in the end. The community was afraid of that early on, but those fears have gone by the wayside.

I really wouldn't bet any hard earned money on that....I am waiting to see and doubt that this somewhat more limited version will even get the level of acceptance that V1 did. Add in the negative perception/reaction from the dedicated users and developers of V1 and this product line may be DOA but we will have to wait and see....one thing for sure, Microsoft will not tell us one way or another if this product is seeing better or worse numbers than V1(especially if the numbers are worse).

I suspect that the need for raid will bump the cost out of the price range that the average home owner will be willing to pay which is a death blow to this product but I guess no one at Redmond was thinking about that when they made this decision.

I personally will be sticking with my V1 until it fails and providing it is available, I will by another copy of V1.

 

[msongs]

what is a home server for?

and what does it do? hmmm

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
I'm not a particular supporter of this product - I tend to think "Over simplified" and "Dumbed Down" stuff not only eventually leads to disappointments in the end as the user who after getting a little bit more knowlege and experience will try and attempt to make this product deliver MORE than it was actually intended to deliver but also the product itself doesn't help towards better understanding of computers and networking in general either.

These days with CHEAP 2 and yes even 3 TB disks out there now a "Bog standard" W7 system can have 12 TB available and with Multimedia network disks etc with fairly simple shareability so I can't really see WHS 2011 having a huge number of sales.

The sort of person this product seems to be aimed at might still be running XP or whatever with maybe 2 or at the most 3 home computers sharing say a stand alone networked multi-media drive and a printer or two.

I really can't get to excited about this offering somehow.

Most people messing about with Networks at home will either try a REAL server (say W2008 or W2K3 - still a good option even now) or a FREE Linux offering .

Those who want stuff straight out of the box will probably be fairly satisfied with a "Bog standard" W7 installation which with these new large stand alone network drives should provide all the sharing they need -- and remember stand alone Network enabled drives are not connected directly to any particular machine so the original problem with shared drives was that the Computer sharing the drive had to be left on -- now this isn't necessary any more so IMO W2011 Home server seems a redundant product.

Sorry for negativity here -- I'm all in favour of innovation etc but I just think this type of product has passed its sell by date -- better (and often simpler) to say nothing of cheaper options out there.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[DeaconFrost]

I suspect that the need for raid will bump the cost out of the price range that the average home owner will be willing to pay which is a death blow to this product but I guess no one at Redmond was thinking about that when they made this decision.

Everyone who has their doubts about it seem to be forgetting on major point. Most WHS boxes in existence were not home brew systems...they were prebuilt OEM systems. Take a look at all the RAID-enabled NAS units out there as well. The features of the OS itself are worth the upgrade, and when you add in the fact that most will be sold by OEMs in a pre-built system, probably with one of the 3rd party plug-ins installed off the bat, the product shouldn't do any worse than 1.0.

We often tend to forget that as enthusiasts, we don't always seem the market from the total scope. If the OEMs will offer 2.0 pre-installed on systems that are priced competitively, it will sell. Considering it was developed along side of Small Business Server Essentials, and will have many of the same features...that should only mean good things for third-party support and add-ons.

Some of you also forget that WHS was never intended for enthusiasts, or those who have the access to and capabilities of installing a regular server OS. WHS was intended for people like my in-laws, who have 5 computers in the house, and need a way to share pictures and music, while keeping their systems backed up. Those people by a system off the shelf, walk through the quick setup wizards, and be done with it. I run one as well, so three houses can easily share digital photos from all our events. 1.0's remote file screens are horrendous, so the new and improved capabilities will be very welcomed.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there.

I just don't see what this product does thats significantly better than plugging in to your Router hardware a network drive or two where you can share to your hearts content and backup your system and data whenever you want.

Most routers have 4 LAN inputs available which is potentially 12 TB (4 X 3 TB) of online NETWORK data capacity at the current state of the art for AFFORDABLE CONSUMER GRADE Network LAN drives -- should be PLENTY for even the most avid video user. That's in addition to any amount of data each LOCAL machine has. I've seen 2 TB LAN drives in PC world in the UK at around 135 GBP.

(Note these are CONSUMER GRADE - not the robust SCSI type of devices found in commercial server environments - but they are 100% satisfactory for typical home type use).

If the devices are WIRELESS enabled --even better so long as the Wifi connection is fast enough for any Video streaming -- just SHARING data should be perfectly fast enough.

Even rank beginners these days also know about backups - usually its because they haven't done a backup for a while or have made large changes to a system BEFORE backing up that they get into trouble and lose data.

Most even basic users can easily run a stand alone restore if required by booting a decent backup program from a USB stick that can read any network enabled disk drive and restore their own OS image. Acronis for example does this quite easily as do others.

Network stand alone printers have also been around for AGES so no problems there either.

Having an extra OS and Machine in the equation for a "Mom and Pop" type of installation where people just want to share files / multimedia over a LAN or share printers (or both) just appears to me to be more trouble than the benefit derived from installing it -- I'd rather have a fully enabled OS than a hobbled very limited capacity one if I need to install this type of stuff.

Also if the Server gets into probs --what then.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[pparks1]

All I'm saying is...DE's removal won't be a deal killer in the end. The community was afraid of that early on, but those fears have gone by the wayside.

Time will tell and we will see. I disagree however and I think that dropping a feature like this is going to drop interest in this product. I mean, HP had the "best selling" home server on the market with their Media Smart line and they have gotten out of this segment. I listen to a number of tech podcasts each week and I don't feel that fears have gone by the wayside at all. Most people who were heavy supporters of the products are now backing alternatives.

Hi there
I'm not a particular supporter of this product - I tend to think "Over simplified" and "Dumbed Down" stuff not only eventually leads to disappointments in the end as the user who after getting a little bit more knowlege and experience will try and attempt to make this product deliver MORE than it was actually intended to deliver but also the product itself doesn't help towards better understanding of computers and networking in general either.

The type of users this was geared towards are those who don't want a better understanding of servers and networking. They want a simple easy to setup server that allows drop dead simple adding of space if they run out and a method of changing out a smaller hard drive for a larger one as their data needs grow. I mean, you could argue that home SOHO routers are overly simplistic and that people instead would be better server learning how to configure a box with 2 network cards, install Linux and run IP Masquerading. But that is not what these people want. I think you are confusing enthusiasts with average users.

Most people messing about with Networks at home will either try a REAL server (say W2008 or W2K3 - still a good option even now) or a FREE Linux offering .

Well, if the average joe messing around with Networks at home doesn't know about Technet, Windows servers are out of his price range...most likely. Linux servers are great and are free. But lots of people don't have the skill set or wherewithall to stick with Linux and learn it. They don't like the command line and feel it's antiquaited and not sophisticated enough like their GUI based desktop.

And even for people like me, who support servers for a living...sometimes I don't want to be bothered with doing all of the same stuff at home. A coworker of mine (who is a Linux and Windows server admin) recently bought an HP Media Smart Windows Home Server for his home. He wanted the simplicity, he wanted to stream to his Xbox360 and he wanted backups of his desktop machines. This product fit the bill perfectly and easily met all of his needs. Even I considered for $100 for an OEM copy of WHS to replace my current file server at my house since my space is running out and a small super quiet power efficient headless box would have fit the bill perfectly. But now, I'm going to just stick with alternatives as the primary whiz-bang feature of a simple product is gone.

Most WHS boxes in existence were not home brew systems...they were prebuilt OEM systems.

And one of biggest players in the market, HP with the Media Smart lineup have gotten out of the game.

I will have to wait and see what other vendors show up to fill the market space. The only other vendor, aside from HP that I see at NewEgg selling a pre-build OEM Windows Home Server system is Acer.

Some of you also forget that WHS was never intended for enthusiasts, or those who have the access to and capabilities of installing a regular server OS. WHS was intended for people like my in-laws, who have 5 computers in the house, and need a way to share pictures and music, while keeping their systems backed up. Those people by a system off the shelf, walk through the quick setup wizards, and be done with it. I run one as well, so three houses can easily share digital photos from all our events. 1.0's remote file screens are horrendous, so the new and improved capabilities will be very welcomed.

Yes, it's for people who want simplicity, but need the functionality of a centralized storage server like us tech enthusiasts have demanded for years. I've had a dedicated file server box on my home network now for over 12 years. There is almost nothing of any significance stored on my desktop computers. I could just about format at will and not lose a single thing.