While Windows Home Server reached RTM many months ago, Microsoft has finally announced that the new system is “generally available” as of November 4th. So what does it mean to be generally available? Well it means you’ll find some products now and many more products down the road. Companies that offer Windows Home Server products now include the Tranquil PC T7-HSA Tranquil Harmony Home Server and the Velocity Micro NetMagix Home Server. However, the most notable name in the Home Server market, HP, has yet to introduce their MediaSmart Server. Many online retailers are already taking pre-orders for the new AMD powered MediaSmart Server. According to Microsoft’s press release, the new MediaSmart Server will be shipped to customers later this month.

MediaSmart will be available in two versions - a 500GB version for $599 and a 1TB version for $749. Other companies due to come out with products include:

• Fujitsu Siemens with the SCALEO Home Server 1900
• Iomega with their HomeCenter Server which includes a 500GB HDD and four easy-swap drive bays
• Life|ware Life|storage
• MAXDATA Belinea o.center
• Medion Home Server with up to 2TB of storage

If you’re not in the mood to purchase a pre-built system, you can always roll your own Windows Home Server as the OEM version of the OS is now available for purchase at many online software retailers such as Newegg. Finally, Microsoft announced that more than 35 add-in programs have been created for the Windows Home Server platform. Solutions cover areas such as personal blogging, media sharing, home security, home automation, virus protection, and malware protection.

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