In this post we will take a look at the new features that Windows Home Server 2011 (code name Vail) has to offer and what can be the benefit of these features for the common user.
Silverlight Based Remote Access
The Remote Access feature is now Silverlight based and allows remote streaming of media content via the internet. This way users can access their media files from anywhere through the cloud. For home users the advantage lies in the fact that they can view their personal videos, pictures, etc without the need of downloading them.
Windows Home Server 2011 has been enhanced to provide Remote Streaming (via Remote Access). Below you will find the supported formats and extensions that you can stream your content with.
MPEG-4, 3GP, H.264, ADTS, AVI, MPEG-2, AAC, MP3, LPCM, and MPEG-1. MPEG2 and AC3 support is planned to be provided in the final release version, however, it is not currently available for the beta version.
MP4, .M4A, .MOV, .3GP, .3G2, .AAC, .AVI, .M2T, .M2TS, and .MTS
Enhanced Media Connectivity Options
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DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)
Windows Home Server 2011 provides more enhanced media connectivity options as compared to its predecessor. Keeping in view that many consumers in the US market have DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible devices, Microsoft has been clever enough to provide DLNA streaming functionality. DLNA Certified devices allow products to upload, play and render content. Some of the widely used DLNA devices include: gaming consoles, Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras, wireless speakers, etc. Windows Home Server users with the help of their TVs, stereos, Xbox 360 (in Windows Media Center Mode) and other devices can automatically find the home server (via the home network ) and stream videos, music and photos from it.
Home Group simplifies the sharing process on a home based network. This is quite handy for family households with multiple computers to print, share and access their files conveniently. With the addition to Windows Home Server 2011 to a Home Group, users can have a centralized storing mechanism for their content.
- Streaming And Transcoding (Connectivity) Support
Windows Home Server has a wide range of codec support, providing users to stream a broader range of media content than its predecessor. The home server transcodes any video or audio file(s) to other formats and resolutions when the content is not playable. The supported codes include the following: 3GP, AAC, AVCHD, MPEG-4, WMV, and WMA. Most AVI, DivX, MOV, and Xvid files are also supported. As mentioned earlier, MPEG2 and AC3 is planned to be provided in the release version.
Computer Backup
- Backing Up The Client System Backup
A new feature of Windows Home Server is that users can create a backup of the client PC’s backup database. This means that the backup of a system can be further saved to the home server. Furthermore, when the connector software is removed from an old PC, users are given the option to backup data from that system to the home server. This Computer Backup Archiving feature can be used to saved content to a centralized home server for a decommissioned system. It is also worth mentioning here that such computer(s) are not included in the 10 computer backup limit.
More Storage Options
- Drive Extender Enhancements
Windows Home Server Drive Extender is a storage technology that can be used to add additional storage (via internal and external drives of different sizes) to the home server. It allows you to remove the system drive from the storage pool to speed up the operating system, automatically detecting and correcting hard drive data errors. It can be used to remove a drive without facing server down time, it offers drive health monitoring and alerting and it provides duplicate folder data available for missing drives without the need to remove the missing drive first. There can be about 10 drives in the storage pool with up to 60GB hard drive support capability.
Dashboard and Launchpad
The Dashboard has replaced the Windows Home Server Console and is the new central control unit of the operating system. From the dashboard users can perform all the tasks required to manage and maintain the server. This includes, accessing content, creating users, network management, backup,as well as managing / performing streaming and remote access options. In fact the Dashboard can itself be accessed remotely by users with the appropriate permissions.
- Shared Folders And Status Updates
Every folder now displays its own synchronization status and alerts, as well as reflects its status update.
The previous version of Windows Home Server became famous for its Add-ins feature. In the new version, several improvements have been made to the SDK to provide developers the opportunity to build even better applications for Vail. Some of the new capabilities include the following:
- Win forms based OR WPF ( Windows Presentation Foundation) based control tabs.
- Ability to add more data to the existing tabs, such as task, columns, details, etc.
- Common tasks and community links can be added via the home page.
- Home page is extensible: Add common tasks and community links
- Categories and tasks can be added to the Launchpad
- Users can add their own link in an online service section, create new items in the menu bar and create new gadgets for the home page.
- The SDK can help users build their own set of providers via the new framework known as “Provider Framework”
- Templates and Samples can be included to help add-in developers.
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