Microsoft Finishes Windows Home Server

Microsoft on Monday announced that Windows Home Server has been released to manufacturing, with systems using the new operating system expected to go on sale this fall. Home Server, code-named "Quattro," is designed for easily linking together multiple computers in a home network and sharing media.

Hewlett-Packard will be the first OEM partner to ship Home Server systems, with Fujitsu-Siemens, Gateway, Iomega, Lacie and Medion also on board. The OS likely won't be available to buy on its own, but a 120-day evaluation version will be posted for download. Microsoft is also encouraging developers to build Windows Home Server add-ins, and has launched a contest to further that effort.