In the near future, millions of people will run Web servers in their homes, so that they can access all their information and media anytime, anywhere.

• Servers can run on computers storing personal information such as family photos, bills, and tax records.
• Servers can be embedded inside Webcams, digital video recorders, network storage devices, home security systems, utility meters, and an ever-growing list of consumer-oriented devices.

Consumers are becoming comfortable with the idea of Web servers in their homes. Consumer routers routinely contain Web servers for configuration, and non-technical people can understand and use them. This will lead to increased interest in home servers and other networking equipment. Consumers will demand access to these devices from anywhere using anything.

Industry research predicts that this trend is the wave of the future:

• Forrestor Research's Home Servers in the Digital Home states that "Home servers will become an important product category for the digital home by 2012."
• Parks Associates says that "One-third (33%) of U.S. broadband households are looking for ways to access their stored media content from outside the home".

These trends indicate a growing need for device vendors to provide their customers with easy and secure ways to remotely access their devices. AutoSSL is a vital part of providing this service.