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Home automation is big business in Hannover Cebit 2008. Homeplug AV is everywhere, next to Media Centers, wireless radio’s, IP phones and all integrated. A NAS/RAID device at home is common too. All is shown in attractive real world bedrooms and living rooms.
Microsoft shows a very, very big display on people ready software – cool! A lot of Vista and SOA here. And of course ForeFront security is around too. It’s the first time for me to play with IAG server. The Whale software is feature rich and a true opponent for SSL/VPN suppliers.  

I also noticed Microsoft Spider on the ForeFront ground. New? Yes, very! An agent-less compliancy tool that delivers true compliancy reports. SCOM auditing services does not deliver truly useful compliancy reports. You can even create your own company template in regards to industry of company specific rules. It is developed by Microsoft IT. No dates given yet.

Back to the living room. So everything is wireless distributed, stored and personally designed. But where does Windows Home Server fit in here? I couldn’t discover it anywhere. This is a missed opportunity, I think. So I have to believe it will not be adapted at large, at least not in Europe. Vista, Media Center and XBOX 360′s where commonly integrated by other vendors. Microsoft should make Windows Home server the director platform of home automation. Microsoft: Please plug Windows Home Server on my continent too.   

Please?

 - Paul

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When I walked around at Cebit 2008 I was really surprised by the innovations of the German Universities. This example catches your face and gives a real time feedback of your mood. It can do this for hundreds of faces. Look I am surprised !!!

- Paul