Whilst you won’t find boxed copies of Windows Home Server software at your favourite big-box electrical store any time soon, earlier this year, Microsoft announced that enthusiasts and system builders would be able to purchase a System Builder SKU via online resellers such as ebuyer.com and newegg.com.
In the last few hours, retailers have started listing the SKU on their websites along with pricing details. Philip has the scoop:
UK: £88.74 via e-buyer.com
Germany: €130,12 via BA Computer
NZ: $298.74 via Ascent
Aus: $229.96 via Eyo
We’re still waiting on Spain, France and the USA to release pricing details.
Whilst most sites are being a bit shy when it comes to availability date, the Aussies have plunged right in and gone for an availability date of 24.08.07 - this is a little earlier than I expected, and these things are always subject to change but keep an eye on your local online computer reseller for more details.
In terms of comparative pricing, the UK and Germany appear to be pretty consistent, whilst the Aussies and Kiwis will be paying slightlyu more to protect their digital memories. Who wants to bet that the US is the cheapest of the lot?
Thanks to Eden for the heads up.
August 13th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Ahh, Kiwis get screwed again.
Good thing I still have a US credit card and mailing address.
August 13th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Having been over to NZ a couple of times this year, I reckon the landscape (not to mention the food and drink) is well worth the extra few bucks!
August 13th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
That’s a reasonable price for very good software. I’ll be recommending it to anyone who has a spare PC and asks ‘how should I backup at home?’ I hope the server appliances are priced just as reasonably.
August 13th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Hi Gavin
I agree - very resonable for an OS, and, as a result, I’m hopeful that full WHS systems will be keenly priced.
August 13th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
What’s your best guess for appliance prices?
I don’t think I’ll buy a system just yet, just the WHS software, as I’d like to see a system built around something like Intel’s UMPC platform.
If Microsoft get the marketing right I think they’ve got a winner. WHS works very well, and is about a good a solution to backups as I’ve seen. Offsite is I guess the next step, and I dare say Microsoft are looking at that right now.
August 16th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
I got a reply from ebuyer regarding WHS… “Unfortunately this item has now been discontinued and will no longer be in stock. ”
Either they misunderstood me or it’s true… :/
August 16th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
I think they may have misunderstood!
August 17th, 2007 at 1:06 am
I can go with that price (Australian) to ensure peace of mind. I just hope the OEM version works properly for me as I’ve had a lot of problems with the RC not connecting to my computer.
August 17th, 2007 at 8:08 am
Germany, http://www.alternate.de/html/product/details.html?articleId=218633
OEM (D) Eur 144,-
Available in 3 to 5 working days?
October 11th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Are there any differences between this OEM/SKU version and the version that comes preinstalled on e.g. the HP WHS box?
October 11th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
The HP unit will have some additional HP-specific software for sharing photos, and syncing iTunes, but the WHS software itself will be exactly the same.
Cheers
Terry
November 21st, 2007 at 10:36 am
So there won’t be a retail version of WHS? You have to buy a new computer at the same time to be able to buy OEM version. That pretty much kills the idea of using your old machine as a home server. *sigh*
November 23rd, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Not retail as in Best Buy-retail, but you can buy the software on its own from online retailers. Check the “Buy WHS Software” links at the top right of the page.
Terry