Read Mary Jo's article here; Microsoft goes public with Windows Server 2012 versions, licensing

For me it's time to start figuring out what to replace it with.

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HP MSS EX490, Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300, 1TB System drive, 6TB Storage pool managed by StableBit DrivePool

Microsoft Server 2012 Essentials
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=12496

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- Bill
EX 475 Version 3 Patch 2
2GB Patriot Memory (what a difference)
BIOS Patched for X2 processor
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (ADD3800IAA5CU)
Addins: MSS Fan Control, Grid Junction, LightsOut (Paid), RemoteAlert

Do you want to pay $425 for it? Not me. There are better alternatives out there.

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HP MSS EX490, Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300, 1TB System drive, 6TB Storage pool managed by StableBit DrivePool

Not enough Information. The issue is not only cost, but for what functionality compared to WHS

My biggest need would be a backup equivalent.

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- Bill
EX 475 Version 3 Patch 2
2GB Patriot Memory (what a difference)
BIOS Patched for X2 processor
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (ADD3800IAA5CU)
Addins: MSS Fan Control, Grid Junction, LightsOut (Paid), RemoteAlert

They have to throw us a bone and offer some kind of upgrade license. I agree $425 is too much.

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Dusto
dustoman at gmail dot com

Its very sad and I just got done reading about it. Personally I am abit beside myself much the same when MS took DE out of what was then Vail which later became WHS2011.

My current concerns with WHS v1 and WHS2011 is that when Windows 8 is released will WHS either version be able to backup and restore clients running Windows 8. Of course I have a major bug up my you know what in that Windows 8 Password is tied to your Windows Live Account which I only envision as one hell of a security hole in that if MS ever gets hacked well you can just imagine.

As for Windows Server 2012 Essentials and the cost well I know this will put many off and many will run what they have as long as possible and then probably seek another solution to better fit their needs. I do not see many willing to pay $425 for the software. I might entertain the thought if it were simple to run and had the DE features as WHS v1 had but I am uncertain if Windows 8 is something for me or not. While I may have to continue running Windows Platform at work it certainly does not mean I have to run it at home and so I have no clue what the future will bring on my end but lets just say I this is not the first time MS has annoyed me and with that I have put all my projects on hold once again.

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Exploring the possibilities!

Migrated from WHS2011 to WS2012E: HIGHLANDER

~ Norco 4220 Enclosure
~ Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5
~ AMD Phenom II X4 995 3.2 GHz
~ 8 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
~ 3 Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8

I want to know what will come after WHS and it would be equivalent to it. There are lots of question in my mind. Please suggest me something.
Remote access software

It seems most people are saying the Essentials version comes the closest to WHS. Unless it is heavily discounted I think it's too expensive for most home users. It also depends on what you use WHS for. If it's primarily backups I think a NAS will work well. If you use it as a web server you'll need to ensure that whatever you pick allows you to host web sites.

Personally I'm looking at one of the Synology units. They can be a bit pricey but they're also very extendable. A 4 bay unit is pretty close in price to what the HP MediaSmarts were and Synology has an extender that allows you to add 5 more drives if you need to. On some units you can add two extenders. I like that you can grow and spend money only when you need to. It also seems (from reviews) that they are continually updating the management software. My EX490 is still running strong so I have some time to decide which way to go.

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HP MSS EX490, Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300, 1TB System drive, 6TB Storage pool managed by StableBit DrivePool

Storage Server Essentials has the same workstation backup as WHS, which is the primary reason I'm a fan of WHS. I never did use the media sharing features that much. There are a few vendors like the one I link to below that have inexpensive ~$500 boxes bundled with Storage Server Essentials. Unlike WHS or even SBS, SSE is tightly controlled and OEM versions are impossible to find (and I've looked!)

http://msmvps.com/blogs/bradley/archive ... ramps.aspx

If you need a new box, SSE can be a good deal if you fund a bundle that appeals to you. If you are looking to reuse existing hardware, then SSE is probably not a solution.

I'm hoping for another black friday special on SBS Essentials this year. Come on Newegg!