The new Windows Home Server

Well, the rumours were right, Bill Gates announced Microsoft's Windows Home Server.

The whole thing raises some serious questions: Will it be restricted to HPs running AMD chips or will there be more products? Will it's advanced features such as automatic backup work on Vista or will it be XP compatible? Will it really ship at the end of the year?

It's also a concern on if it will distract from the launch of the domestic versions of Vista.

As a tech, another concern is there are too many versions of Windows kicking around. These are the Windows domestic and small business systems that will be in common use later this year.

Windows Server 2003
Windows Small Business Server 2003 Standard
Windows Small Business Server Premium
XP Home
XP Pro
XP Media Centre

Windows Home Server
Vista Home Basic
Vista Home Premium
Vista Business
Vista Ultimate

All of the Vista versions may or may not have the Aero interface and other features enabled.

And then there's Windows 2007, should it be released on time.

Really, this is a support nightmare.