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Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is expected to show off a device that stores and distributes digital content between devices in a house, acting as a server and storage appliance.

The stand-alone device could act as a storage or back-up appliance as well as a networking hub. It is believed to allow PCs, wireless devices, Media Center PCs and set-top boxes to link up on the same network. The pending launch is further supported by the fact that several industry analysts declined to discuss a Microsoft media server citing "confidentially agreements".

Analysts are typically briefed ahead of major product launches but are bound to non-disclosure agreements.

All the analysts contacted by vnunet.com agreed that the time was right for a home server to be introduced.

As mobile devices, network-equipped gaming consoles and set-top media boxes become more common, a device that can link up and facilitate networking between devices becomes necessary, explained Stephen Baker, director of technology analysis at NPD Techworld.