WHS Updates/HP Delay – More Info

Todd has more on the Windows Home Server updates due in September, though not much more:

HP has decided to include these first software updates in their MediaSmart Server. Both HP and Microsoft believe that these updates are in the best interest of potential customers and will insure the best out-of-the-box experience.

However, PC World magazine explains further:

Microsoft says the updates include fine tuning of the out-of-box experience with added prompts and dialog boxes guiding consumers through the setup process. Other enhancements include more reliable remote server access, automatic router and firewall setting tools, and enhancements to synchronizing features.

HP claims that last minute bug hunting and tweaks by Microsoft are going to delay the release of its MediaSmart product by “75 to 120 days.” HP says now the MediaSmart server will ship late fall in time for the holidays.

Whilst Gateway and Lacie were due to ship slightly later than HP’s scheduled September release, both companies have said the WHS updates will not change their release plans.