What Do You Want to See in Windows Home Server v2?

By on January 19, 2010 in WHS v2

Whilst stressing that we heard nothing from Microsoft at CES on the prospect of seeing Windows Home Server v2 (“Vail”) this year, there’s a cracking thread over at WGS Forums (now 48 posts and counting) where WGS readers are sharing their thoughts on what they’d like to see in Vail.

A few selected thoughts from the thread…

Built in server backup to external hdd, website, other computer

Add-ins for your provided domain/website like ajax chat room/addon or gallery/forum software

Support for a mailserver with Activesync (for people that have 2/more pc’s, but want 1 universal copy of their email)

Windows Media Center
Since we are FINALLY going to get some good cable cards(4 streams) it would be nice to be able use this box as a DVR to record and stream digital cable to extenders(xbox360).

To be able to remote backup another machine over the internet to your WHS box. ie: mom and dads computer in Florida can be backed up on your server in New York (since I would manage their computers anyway) for easy restores of their computer. (for example)

All great suggestions – but what would you like to see in Vail? Check out the thread and make sure you add your thoughts to the debate…

More Info: WGS Forums


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About Terry Walsh

Terry Walsh is the founding editor and owner of We Got Served. Since February 2007, the site has provided detailed coverage and analysis of the emerging home server category, and has subsequently grown into a trusted outlet for digital home news and reviews.
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  • Dave

    One of the things not mentioned on the list is support for sound cards.

  • cybirr

    Be able to use my HP ex470 with the new WHS.

  • Guest

    I have a question for you: How safe would you feel backing up your PC over the internet? If you want to do that, implement a VPN and it will be encrypted properly to allow for safe backup right now on your WHS.

  • Michael Campbell

    Support on Windows 7 Home Premium for WHS remote – seems silly (stupid really) its not there when you can download Live Mesh and get remote access to Home Premium machines that way.

  • norseviking

    VPN access to the home
    Site to site VPN to another home server (connect my home server to my brothers homeserver)
    better photo tagging abilities

  • Tim

    I would love to see some form of roaming profiles. When using the connector software, it should ask you if you want this computer to use the roaming profile and then automatically redirect your desktop, start menu, quicklinks, etc to the server.

  • Matt Gallant

    Besides the much needed (and obvious) UI update, there are a few things that the next version of WHS needs to be up to par. Don't get me wrong, I love windows Home Server the way it is now. But as always, even the best products can use a little improvement. I think that everything I would like to see added or fixed are realistic suggestions, although maybe some of them would only find their way onto a an "ultimate edition". I would gladly pay the additional cost to get these features.

    First off better hardware support.
    –Support for 2+ Ethernet ports for better streaming bandwidth
    –Integrated support for raid configurations
    –64 bit(more memory support)
    –I would like to see support for a tv tuner on the server to stream and record live TV.
    –Better use of multicore processors
    –Ability to add/use a larger quantity of storage

    A few improvements to the software could be made as well
    –Microsoft security essentials for WHS would be a good idea
    –Built in "over the web" media streaming could make it a much more attractive product.
    –Keep the simple operation, but add the option of an advanced control panel
    –Zune marketplace and subscription management built in, with direct downloads.
    –Backup for the XBox 360
    –Built in web-mail client
    –Better "LAN" media streaming
    –A built in way to "share" or "connect" with family and friends that also have a WHS device

    With even just half of these items added to the already incredible product, there would be too few excuses to NOT have a WHS device. Please Microsoft, continue to pay attention to what the consumers want to see. Windows 7 is the best Windows ever, because of the effective use of user feedback and suggestions. Keep it up Guys and Gals.

  • http://logotype.tv Dexter Saam

    Matt Gallant above mentioned a thorough summary suggestions and i share most of his ideas.
    What i would like to highlight in my opinion is the usage of multicore proc. and the raid configuration.
    HDDs still make me feel i will loose the data with a bad move. Safeguarding the data is an optimum goal for any OS or hardware vendor

  • JimH

    I read somewhere that backup restart from the failed point (once corrected) was in the works for 'VAIL'. This would be a great feature if its implemented.

    Backup over the internet only if there is some kind of encryption (SSL?)

    Choice of Admin console(s), ie basic, advanced, expert mode. OR ability to hide unwantedunneeded tabs.

    Ability to set delete timeday for database cleanup (not just static for Sun morning).

  • Ross

    Mail exchange. That would be great.

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