In a recent post, I commented on Microsoft’s early indications that Windows Home Server (WHS) will be an OEM-only product – a great shame for many users who would like to put an old PC to use as a home server.  The topic has been raised as a beta feedback request 272635 as well as on the WHS forums and, following Bill Gates’ announcement at WinHEC, it would seem that WHS will be available both as a hardware appliance and in (OEM) software form.  That means that registered system builders will be able to install the software on a customised PC… I’m not sure if that extends to people like myself who intend running WHS on a repurposed PC (a configuration which is now running well with the latest CTP build).  There will also be various ISV-supplied add-ins for protection against viruses and malware, media sharing capabilities, home security, and home automation.

That’s some consolation (I’m sure I will be able to get a system builder copy somehow) but it will also be interesting to hear the price point at which Microsoft intends to pitch WHS.