Microsoft have finally released Microsoft server 2012 essentials, the spiritual heir to Windows Home Server, (WHS), according to http://redmondmag.com/articles/2012/10/09/essentials-released-to-manufacturers.aspx.

I will be heading over to TechNet shortly to download my copy to evaluate on my HP N40L mini server.

Although this is the direct replacement for WHS, it is likely that most WHS 2011 users won't move across, simply because of the associated cost of a server operating system. Previous versions of WHS, were hugely discounted because of the intended home market. However, this product is primarily intended for small and medium-sized businesses, although it does have most of the functionality of the previous WHS product, but unfortunately not the cost…There is little doubt it will succeed in its intended market, but whether the average home user will upgrade remains to be seen.