Windows Home Server Hits Release Candidate Beta Milestone

On June 12, Microsoft will make available for download the Release Candidate (RC) near-final test build of Windows Home Server.

The final Home Server RC1 code will be available on the Microsoft Connect site later today.

According to Microsoft, there are currently more than 100,000 Windows Home Server beta registrants. As of the RC build, Microsoft is making the Windows Home Server code available to any existing or future beta-program participant.

Windows Home Server is designed to act as a central hub for storage of music, photos, and other files. It will include automatic backup and restore, as well as remote file-access capabilities.

New to the RC1 Home Server update are various bug fixes, improved remote access capabilities, and further streamlined ease-of-use setup process for WHS hardware.

Microsoft announced in mid-May that the first Windows Home Server systems will be available this fall from Hewlett-Packard, Gateway, consumer storage vendor LaCie and Medion International. Microsoft also is making the Home Server code available to system builders who will be authorized to build customized Home Server systems.