If you're weren't racking your server, then an iMac or Mac Pro could serve, but both models can be overkill. Until an update in March 2009, the Mac mini was too underpowered to handle multiple server tasks, although the mini was often found in data centers. Before this particular model, Apple shipped only one standard server system in multiple configurations with a full software license included: its rack-mounted Xserve (starting at $2,999), designed for server rooms and data centers. The Mac mini Server ($999) is the other development. The premium version includes Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for small businesses, and, because MySQL is included with OS X Server, one could argue the premium version is most comparable. OS X Server since 10.5 can also be virtualized with one paid license per virtualization the $499 price makes virtualization cheaper, too.īy comparison, Windows Small Business Server 2008 comes in two editions (naturally) for either $1,089 (standard) or $1,899 (premium) with five client licenses, and charges $77 or $189 respectively for each additional client license. OS X Server can be installed on nearly any system capable of running the regular version of Snow Leopard (which itself costs $29 for a 10.5 Leopard upgrade version that could be used for a full installation). There's one version of OS X Server 10.6: $499 for an unlimited user version. The 10.6 release threw that pricing out the window. The 10-user limit, however, applied only to simultaneous logins for certain kinds of services, including AFP (Apple Filing Protocol), Apple's native file-sharing service. Advertisementīefore 10.6, Apple charged $999 for its unlimited user license, and $499 for a 10-user version. The Mac mini server-its full name is the Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server-brings together two separate developments: a substantial price cut for OS X Server and increasingly powerful Mac mini models that have the gumption to work as servers. (This is not a full review of OS X Server, which would take many tens of thousands of words and months of testing, much like John Siracusa's in-depth OS X client reviews.) Hardware, OS, and Pricing I also offer you two key tips for fixing problems in OS X Server that tripped me up during testing. In this review, I look at a few specific aspects of the Mac mini server model and OS X Server as they relate to sub-enterprise-scale networks, especially where IT staff help isn't assumed. For $999, you can buy a perfectly speedy office server with a full, unlimited-seat license. Further, OS X Server was often too focused on providing services for networks mostly comprised of Macs a lot of lip service was paid to Windows support, but it's only seemingly fully matured in 10.6.īut what makes OS X Server 10.6 a perfectly reasonable choice for small-to-medium-sized businesses is new pricing coupled with a custom Mac mini configuration. Releases before version 10.6 (Snow Leopard) had numerous difficulties for those who couldn't quickly fire up a command line and start entering commands from memory. Apple has focused instead on support for large corporations' enterprise networks, data center and cluster use, and academic deployments. That seems to leave a large niche in which companies want an affordable product that runs on commodity hardware and doesn't need the constant ministrations of an IT expert, even if one's required to set it up.Īpple has such a product, Mac OS X Server, but has been weak at exploiting this niche despite the server's long history. Some companies may not want to go this route, or may be subject to regulatory issues that prevent proprietary or confidential data from being located offsite with Google-or anyone. But the $50 per-user, per-year fee can add up, and Google Apps doesn't offer everything a small business needs. That may lead firms to Google's door, turning to Web hosted services via Google Apps. Unix and Linux distributions may be free or have relatively inexpensive purchase and service contracts, but you pay for that in requiring more expertise in house or on demand. Especially in this economy, how can an office of that size-perhaps your office?-afford the technician needed to install and keep a Microsoft Server 2008 installation on the rails, plus the initial cost in per-seat licenses. Offices may need to handle email, file-sharing, calendar and contacts hosting, collaboration tools, and other matters. With anywhere from several to several dozen employees, there's often no budget for an IT director to manage all the network services required for a modern company of any size. Pity the small office when it comes to technology.
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