October 8th, 2007
Windows Home Server team readies next 'UR1' release
The first version of Windows Home Server (WHS) is barely out the door, but Microsoft already is readying another set of fixes to launch in November, as well as the next “minor” release, which it is calling “UR1,” for Update Release 1.
The WeGotServed site served up a great Q&A last week with a few of the top execs from the WHS team. In what’s becoming a trademark of the Windows Server team, the WHS officials were forthcoming with helpful guidance on what to expect from the team. Todd Headrick, WHS Product Planner, shared the following tidbits:
- The WHS team, like the Windows client and server teams, is alternating major and minor releases, going forward. The first release (rolling out in the coming weeks here in the U.S.) is “major.” The next release will be a minor one.
- The minor release is code-named URI, or Update Rollup/Release (choose your own “R” word) 1. No due date on this one … yet.
- The next interim fix/feature pack update is due out in November 2007. Microsoft just made its first WHS fix/feature pack, designed to supplement the first WHS release, available in September. Microsoft is pushing these updates to users via Windows Update.
- The team has started planning for the next “major” WHS release. No word yet on features or due dates.
- Some of the features and functionality that debuted in WHS (like Drive Extender) potentially could make their way back into other future Windows releases.
- Will Microsoft add 64-bit XP and Vista PC support to WHS? XP x64: No plans, “due to the tiny installed base.” The team is coding and testing an x64 Connector for Vista PCs, however. No date yet on when that will ship.
In response to a question “we’ve been asked about more than a few times,” Microsoft hasn’t ruled out completely the idea that Windows Media Center and WHS could become integrated into a single product, Headrick said.
“Time will tell – and please don’t infer that ‘time will tell’ means yes,” Headrick said. “There are a tremendous number of complex issues that need to be resolved to make this simple question become a reality.”
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