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Microsoft and HP serve it up

JACK KAPICA

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 10:05 AM EDT 16/11/07

Aimed at users with home networks and small businesses, Hewlett-Packard's MediaSmart Server running Microsoft's Windows Home Server software stores and shares all of your files ...Read the full article

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  1. david ferguson from halifax, Canada writes: I'm not sure what the fireworks and flags are about here. I looked at this thinking that this may very well serve small clients in a small business environment however it does not. For the home user (I run 10 active in my home, each dedicated, another couple in boxes and an apple around somewhere in a box, this is no biggie. an xp home network will scale to 10 machines, and by setting your admin shares you can easily run a home network running a quasi server base. My database apps, graphics, 3d modelling and corporate av solution are all run from one machine with no performance drawbacks due to this configuration. For those needing a true server, Ubuntu server is available free, and they will send you the cd for free from their web site (post free also). They say 6 weeks delivery, but I got mine in a week. So yes, another MS product launch, and with other than within techie press, less than a front page party. Even at the technet seminars, this is mentioned in a very low key and there is a reason for that. Other solutions out there, and that will serve you better. Targeted at a home user, if you are running multiple machines already you don't need this or have the skills to run another solution product. If you are a small business or home business think again. This aint going to do anything for you that you cannot do already.
  2. M Spiker from Stittsville, Canada writes: I think this is a very good idea and long overdue. I especially like the partition-less storage system.

    Note, my home network consists of 5 systems: W2k, XP Pro, XP Home, Vista, and an Ubuntu Server.

    Yes XP has a lot of these features (not the backup though) but it doesn't work well with non-XP systems (and even causes problem between XP and Pro). Ubuntu Server is a very nice (free) bundle but you better know your unix (no GUI, limited guidance).

    My problem with MHS is it's sales model -- where's the retail or OEM versions? The rumored price is way too high for a stripped down version of Windows -- it makes it very uneconomical to build your own unless you are re-using a system (your hardware cost is $0).

    I am very impressed with the value of HP's MHS and can't wait to see the white-box offers. I could barely build the same thing from TigerDirect's bargain bin. Clearly the OEMs (like HP) are getting an amazing price on MHS software. Given the target market for this, so should the home enthusiast.
  3. M Spiker from Stittsville, Canada writes: I forgot to mention that you can order a 120-day evaluation of MHS from Microsoft. You just need to pay for shipping the DVD ($10).

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