We Got Served

Those of you running the Windows Home Server beta will no doubt have noticed the lack of Anti-Virus products available for your system. The new home server category sits in between the traditional “server” and “home computer” categories which have been traditionally served by specific anti-virus products which vary greatly in price. A number of anti-virus developers are working on products for Windows Home Server - F-Secure have previously announced a solution for Windows Home Server, and rumours have been circulating that ALWIL are also working on a WHS anti-virus product.

This morning, I received the first preliminary details of Avast Anti-Virus for Windows Home Server - note these are subject to final confirmation as the product’s still in development, but they’re from a reliable source.

So, what’s in store?

• Server grade anti-virus protection - the product is, in effect, similar to Avast’s Server/Small Business Server product, at a cheaper price.
• Remote administration of home computer anti-virus protection (as long as those machines are running the free Avast Home Edition). Connected machines will show their up-to-date status and highlight any issues on shared directories.
• Pricing will be set at an introductory $39.95 for the first six months of release, following which it will rise to $50.
• A public beta will begin in September - keep an eye on the Avast website for more details.

Whilst we still have to see how remote administration will work with Windows Home Server (particularly with regard to updates), it’s fantastic to hear that the home server product will allow remote administration of Avast’s free Home product (rather than forcing users to upgrade every computer to the home server product).

I’m hoping to get an early look at Avast Anti-Virus for Windows Home Server in the coming weeks - stay tuned for more.