Microsoft: What Do You Want to Back Up Today?

Hey, I rail on everyone about doing backups—maybe a little too much. Someone's been listening: At CES Microsoft announced a new software solution, Windows Home Server, which could make the headaches of backups a thing of the past for Joe Average.

When Windows Home Server is released in the second half of the year, you still won't be able to buy a disc of it. You'll have to buy it as part of a hardware solution, which Microsoft had on display from HP, the only vendor who's signed up to sell it so far.

Basically, you plug this box into your router at home, install some software on your various PCs around the house, and you're done. Windows Home Server automatically backs up your computers on a regular basis. You can schedule more advanced operations if you're so inclined, and you can store data directly to the device instead of using it to back up if you prefer.

But wait, there's more! Windows Home Server also works as a remote access system: You can dial into your server via the Internet, from anywhere. Each piece of hardware comes with a web server (and URL) built right in—nothing to set up, no fees to pay. The extent of what you can do via remote connection I'm not sure about, however.

Windows Home Server has tons of additional features: print services, health monitoring (it will tell you if a PC's drive is about to fail), and easy expandability (just plug in more hard drives when you need more space). Pricing hasn't been announced by Microsoft or HP, but a spokesperson (actually an engineer on the project) said it would be "competitive."

Cool stuff. Interface screen shots here and here.