Naturally, it pains us to imagine firms chugging along with Windows Server 2008 into 2020, but you just know it'll happen.

ENGADGET: Microsoft extends free Windows Server 2008 support through January 15th, 2015

With the recent release of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview and Windows Server 8 beta, along with this week's launch of SQL Server 2012 and Windows Embedded Standard 8 CTP, Microsoft is offering a good look at a new, common set of technologies that spans specialized devices, servers, PCs and applications.

ENGADGET: Windows Embedded Standard 8 preview now available for download

Over on the software front, you'll see Windows Vista Home Premium along with Niveus' own suite of apps ( Movie Library, Studio, Media Server Companion and Weather).

ENGADGET: Niveus goes consumer-level with tantalizing Zone HTPC HD