With the near-ubiquity of network architecture as a fundamental part of nearly all computing and digital communications, it was only a matter of time before Microsoft would develop a SKU of Windows Server directed toward the consumer. Windows Home Server may have a substantive impact in the home computing environment, opening up new avenues for connectivity and functionality that home distros of Linux, and even the more media-savvy Mac OS, thus far haven’t considered.

Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg has often said that Microsoft is in a unique position among the world’s corporations: It must find a way to market essentially the same product to a business systems architect as well as a cola-drinking, detergent-using consumer. Depending on which market some facet of Windows targets, an appropriate hat must be chosen for it, if you will. So when Windows Server 2003 forks a separate version for the home, it has to change hats, dropping the whole security, functionality, and interoperability campaign in favor of, “It’s about the experience.” In fact, Microsoft’s consumer campaigns for both its software and devices will merrily list for you the various things that “it’s about.”

So when we spoke to Windows Home Server group product manager Joel Sider last week at WinHEC 2007 in Los Angeles, we fully accepted to be told what “it’s about” now, and Sider did not disappoint. But in anticipation of a carefully orchestrated, consumer-oriented message, BetaNews went into the interview with the intention of asking some questions from deep left and deep right field, on topics that wouldn’t usually get air time.

We beg Sider’s forgiveness for all the curve balls. But in the following transcript, watch how a veteran marketer works diligently several times to bring us back “on message,” to move the discussion out of left field and into the territory of topics that do get air time. You’ll see references not only to what “it’s about” but what “it’s not about.” Like an invisible doggie fence, the “it’s not about” message is designed to bring us back to the center of the discussion.

Our talk began with a reference to an earlier keynote demonstration of Windows Home Server streaming content to an Xbox 360, for display on the HDTV to which it was connected.

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