In a corporate blog posting, Microsoft has confirmed that HP is retiring their MediaSmart Server line, which includes Windows Home Server.

HP have told Microsoft that they do not plan to provide a platform for Windows Home Server (WHS) code named “Vail”.

Microsoft claims the decision by HP had nothing to do with a controversial decision last month by the software giant to drop Drive Extender technology from the Windows Home server product.

HP told Microsoft that it will continue to sell the existing version of MediaSmart Server until the end of this year and will honour future service and support agreements.

Despite HP's exit, Microsoft says it continues to work on delivering the next version of WHS with other third party partners such as Acer and Tranquil.

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