One server for many cases
Software Test A Mac OS X server system is ideal for centralizing data and thereby reducing the load on workstations. But it can do even more.
Software test A Mac OS X server system is ideal for centralizing data and thus reducing the load on workstations. In addition to consumer computers and workstations, Apple Computer also produces server systems for the entry-level and upper mid-range sector. These servers and the associated Mac OS X Server software are of interest to agencies or print shops that operate two or more workstations (e.g. classic DTP workstations). With Mac OS X Server, Apple has replaced the server solution formerly known as Apple Share IP under the Mac OS 9 operating system. As with Apple Share IP, one license can be used for either up to ten
workstations/clients or an unlimited license can be purchased. Like Mac OS X, the new development has a graphical interface and is based on Unix. It was introduced shortly after the desktop operating system was launched in mid-2001.
ServicesThe many services of the server software based on open source code (freely accessible source code) were continuously updated with the updates of the operating system.
system has been improved. The current version of the server system contains a total of 20 services to be used.
systems. The services included in the software package - the most important of which are presented in the "Server" box opposite - therefore fulfill the central requirements of a server system.
After the very simple installation of the server software, a normal operating system is presented.
system Mac OS X; only two icons stand out in the program bar (Dock). If you start the Server Admin application, the possible services are displayed in the window (see illustration), which can then be configured there. With the start
of one or more services, the computer then becomes a server. Even if these settings
require certain knowledge of the technical environment, so
Nevertheless, the user guidance through the menus is very simple and well explained.
The service that is probably needed most, the function as a classic file server, can be easily created by simply creating
and administration of users or user groups. The extremely simple sharing of files, folders or volumes with sharepoints is an outstanding feature. The addition of new users and the
This makes data sharing child's play. The other services are also quickly set up and "up and ready" once you have the necessary information.
Only the mail server is somewhat underpowered. This is probably why it is often not used and a competitor product on a different platform is used instead. The main thing missing here is better integration into the established Microsoft Exchange solution, which ideally combines email management with the calendar functions.
The integrated Xgrid service also enables grid com-
puting. This allows the computing power of several computers connected within a network to be used. The use of Xgrid is particularly useful for computing-intensive tasks.
For demanding usersA more flexible management of storage capacities is offered by the storage management software, which is also available separately from Apple.
storage solution Xsan. Based on a Storage Area Network (SAN), a network for connecting hard disks, any and almost any number of storage systems can be used or integrated. The speed advantage offered by Xsan is particularly beneficial for storage-intensive applications. An Xsan environment is therefore particularly suitable, for example, for professional editing of video material in HD format.
Another advantage of Xsan is that the storage capacity is very high.
can be easily expanded. At least one dedicated and necessary metadata controller (separate computer) takes care of data management. Apple's Xserve RAID systems are available for this purpose as secure or high-performance data storage.
However, Xsan is therefore a larger dimension overall. In addition to the hardware (metadata controller, Xserve RAID) and software (Xsan), faster lines and plug-in cards (FibreChannel technology) are also required.
Positive conclusionA disadvantage for some companies is the fact that the server software is designed exclusively for Apple hardware - and perhaps the somewhat weak mail server, which lacks a comprehensive e-mail/calendar solution comparable to Microsoft Exchange.
But all in all, Apple has achieved a brilliant feat with the Mac OS X server - especially in its new version 10.4.2. Above all, its user-friendliness and reliability are currently unrivaled. With the server package, you get a complete solution that is easy to use and fun to handle - and does exactly what it is supposed to do: provide a service to the user in one way or another. With the integrated Xgrid service or the optional Xsan solution, even more extensive requirements can be met.
ServersThe servers are the workhorses in agencies, prepress operations or the prepress departments of print shops. Thanks to the client-server principle used, they allow access via clients to one or more
central server. The client provides the user interface and the server provides the appropriate functionality. Each available service of a server therefore requires the corresponding client. The best-known example here is the interaction between web server (server) and web browser (client).
Print servers (controlling print jobs), mail servers (receiving and distributing e-mails) or streaming servers also work according to this client-server principle.
server (distribution of digital content such as radio or video). Via NFS server (Network File System)
files can be stored directly on the server
edited or programs on the
server can be started. (jf)
Mac OS X Server runs on iMac, Mac Mini, PowerMac or the Xserve computer (pictured) with at least G3, G4 or better G5 processors, equipped with at least 256 MB RAM and a FireWire port. Photo: Apple Computer
The administrator tool (Server Admin) can be used to start, configure or stop all services; this is also possible remotely via the Internet.
Users can be assigned to user groups using drag & drop.
Jürgen Franck
workstations/clients or an unlimited license can be purchased. Like Mac OS X, the new development has a graphical interface and is based on Unix. It was introduced shortly after the desktop operating system was launched in mid-2001.
ServicesThe many services of the server software based on open source code (freely accessible source code) were continuously updated with the updates of the operating system.
system has been improved. The current version of the server system contains a total of 20 services to be used.
systems. The services included in the software package - the most important of which are presented in the "Server" box opposite - therefore fulfill the central requirements of a server system.
After the very simple installation of the server software, a normal operating system is presented.
system Mac OS X; only two icons stand out in the program bar (Dock). If you start the Server Admin application, the possible services are displayed in the window (see illustration), which can then be configured there. With the start
of one or more services, the computer then becomes a server. Even if these settings
require certain knowledge of the technical environment, so
Nevertheless, the user guidance through the menus is very simple and well explained.
The service that is probably needed most, the function as a classic file server, can be easily created by simply creating
and administration of users or user groups. The extremely simple sharing of files, folders or volumes with sharepoints is an outstanding feature. The addition of new users and the
This makes data sharing child's play. The other services are also quickly set up and "up and ready" once you have the necessary information.
Only the mail server is somewhat underpowered. This is probably why it is often not used and a competitor product on a different platform is used instead. The main thing missing here is better integration into the established Microsoft Exchange solution, which ideally combines email management with the calendar functions.
The integrated Xgrid service also enables grid com-
puting. This allows the computing power of several computers connected within a network to be used. The use of Xgrid is particularly useful for computing-intensive tasks.
For demanding usersA more flexible management of storage capacities is offered by the storage management software, which is also available separately from Apple.
storage solution Xsan. Based on a Storage Area Network (SAN), a network for connecting hard disks, any and almost any number of storage systems can be used or integrated. The speed advantage offered by Xsan is particularly beneficial for storage-intensive applications. An Xsan environment is therefore particularly suitable, for example, for professional editing of video material in HD format.
Another advantage of Xsan is that the storage capacity is very high.
can be easily expanded. At least one dedicated and necessary metadata controller (separate computer) takes care of data management. Apple's Xserve RAID systems are available for this purpose as secure or high-performance data storage.
However, Xsan is therefore a larger dimension overall. In addition to the hardware (metadata controller, Xserve RAID) and software (Xsan), faster lines and plug-in cards (FibreChannel technology) are also required.
Positive conclusionA disadvantage for some companies is the fact that the server software is designed exclusively for Apple hardware - and perhaps the somewhat weak mail server, which lacks a comprehensive e-mail/calendar solution comparable to Microsoft Exchange.
But all in all, Apple has achieved a brilliant feat with the Mac OS X server - especially in its new version 10.4.2. Above all, its user-friendliness and reliability are currently unrivaled. With the server package, you get a complete solution that is easy to use and fun to handle - and does exactly what it is supposed to do: provide a service to the user in one way or another. With the integrated Xgrid service or the optional Xsan solution, even more extensive requirements can be met.
ServersThe servers are the workhorses in agencies, prepress operations or the prepress departments of print shops. Thanks to the client-server principle used, they allow access via clients to one or more
central server. The client provides the user interface and the server provides the appropriate functionality. Each available service of a server therefore requires the corresponding client. The best-known example here is the interaction between web server (server) and web browser (client).
Print servers (controlling print jobs), mail servers (receiving and distributing e-mails) or streaming servers also work according to this client-server principle.
server (distribution of digital content such as radio or video). Via NFS server (Network File System)
files can be stored directly on the server
edited or programs on the
server can be started. (jf)
Mac OS X Server runs on iMac, Mac Mini, PowerMac or the Xserve computer (pictured) with at least G3, G4 or better G5 processors, equipped with at least 256 MB RAM and a FireWire port. Photo: Apple Computer
The administrator tool (Server Admin) can be used to start, configure or stop all services; this is also possible remotely via the Internet.
Users can be assigned to user groups using drag & drop.
Jürgen Franck
