Microsoft has done a solid job in generating market demand for Windows Home Server, but the complexity of the software has served as a barrier to adoption, according to some solution providers. Compounding the issue is the fact that HP's Media Smart Server, which runs Windows Home Server, is priced out of reach of many consumers.
That's why some partners expect Microsoft to offer an cloud-based version of Windows Home Server at some point in the near future as a way of building awareness of what the product can do.
"The logical progression of services should end with the consumer," said one solution provider, who asked not to be named. "Microsoft wants to establish 'sockets' -- whether they're PCs, mobile devices, or home server platforms. And if those sockets are in the cloud, that's the best case scenario for Microsoft."
