Microsoft took a Hugh hit late Tuesday as HP confirmed that it was dropping Windows Home Server. The company will phase out its MediaSmart home servers at the end of 2010 and will switch to its Palm’s webOS for future devices. Microsoft claims the exit had nothing to do with the upcoming Vail update dropping Drive Extender.
HP earlier this year, only sold the Windows 7 Slate to enterprise accounts telling the press that webOS would be its platform for tablets in the consumer space. All this after Microsoft had tried to promote the HP Slate as a home tablet at CES 2010.
HP was Microsoft’s largest supporter of Windows Home Server. Acer has publicly pledge support Windows Home Server for its easyStore servers, so not all is lost.
This move effects both Windows and Mac users as either could support the platform.