Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

January 23, 2012

Why You Should Consider OS X Server

You may think we’re absolutely nuts: No one is seriously considers using Mac OS X Server edition for professional unless they’re crackers, bananas, or straight-up mad, right? If you’ve never thought about using the platform to manage your business or home network, you might be cutting yourself short. Macintosh is a powerful platform, and though it’s certainly not for everyone, it comes with a thousand benefits and (in our eyes) only a few downsides. Will it replace Linux in shared hosting or Windows in the corporate world? Heck no—we aren’t even thinking about it. Still, we feel it’s about high-time someone mentioned the useful advantages of a Max OS X Server in the workplace, and as such, we’re going to do just that. If you’re staring at the Linux vs. Windows debate (and are jonesing for just one more option) keep reading, Pilgrim: The promise land does await, though it comes with some caveats.

What is a Mac OS X Server, and How Should I Use It?

First and foremost, we feel it might be best to mention what in the bloody heck of things an OS X Server actually is. For the uninitiated, Macintosh Operating System X is the latest and greatest, UNIX-based kernel and graphical front-end behind each and every one of Apple’s computers. In fact, OS X is even at the core of the company's mobile suite, iOS. In all practical terms, it’s an offshoot from the early UNIX days, and it bears a lot of similarities to such platforms as Debian, Fedora, and to an extent, Ubuntu. However, Apple is a for-profit venture, and has had decades to refine the graphical and performance front-end until it shines with a unique polish. Of course, right now we’re just talking about Apple’s personal operating system, the sort of thing you’d see on a Mac you might have in your library at home. So what’s OS X Server?

Essentially, OS X Server is a repackaging of the personal software suite with a server emphasis: That likely sounded trite, so we’ll explain. Apple has taken the same UNIX core that’s at the heart of Mac OS X, redone a lot of the software and architectures to be better suited for server traffic, and then shipped it out for web masters to use as a central hub. OS X Server behaves like and is comparable to any Linux Server distro, or Windows Server edition. However, because of the way it’s engineered, we don’t see too many people using OS X Server for shared hosting, or large-scale data-center management. Instead, we see a lot more OS X Server in the home as a personal server, or within small businesses for local management. All in all, this makes OS X Server brilliant for specific uses, though perhaps not so much for others. So how do you know when you need OS X Server? Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits to get at the creamy nugget at the center.

1.  The Hardware is Self Contained: Let’s say you have one grand to about three thousand you’re willing to spend on a new server. However, you’d rather not purchase a complex Windows box that’s daisy-chained to multiple servers, and requires extensive maintenance. Instead, you can purchase a Mac Mini or Mac Pro that’s entirely self-contained, optimized for OS X Server, and built to handle any and all local requests you need of it. Assuming you’re Internet connection is steady, you can use this single box to manage all of your Web needs with a fluidity you never thought possible. And as mentioned, the operating system is built from the ground-up to work with the hardware. This means you’re getting the most umph for your buck, just as a car that’s designed to run on petrol works best with petrol, instead of diesel.

2.  It’s Easy: One of the largest selling points of Windows Server edition is that it’s quite simple to manage. If you’ve ever been near a Windows personal operating system, you’ve got a fair handle on how to manage the server packaging. Likewise, only more so, OS X Server is exactly as fluid and smooth as the personal front-end, but with a Web emphasis. Creating an eMail server, managing user accounts, and even adding a calendar database can be done with the click of a button. Apple has gone to great lengths to optimize and simplify the included software to make it a breeze to manipulate. Just like their mobile device the iPhone, almost anyone can operate a server with OS X Server. Each aspect of the process comes with a UI-based application that’s powerful enough to modify and create services on a whim. A good way to think about this is through cooking: If you’re competent, you can use the oven, burners, toaster, griddle, etc. to do just about anything. This is Windows and Linux. On the other hand, OS X Server is a robot that’s capable of managing all these hot items for you. All it requires is an initial direction and it handles the rest.

3.  It’s Cheap(er): Lastly, OS X Server edition will cost you much less than Windows Server. In fact, we’re talking about a magnitude of about three: 10 licenses for Windows Server 2008 will cost you about $1500. In comparison, OS X Server at the same volume will only run you $500. That’s a bargain to us, and though it’s not as cheap as a free Linux distro, you’re getting superior performance—remember that hardware optimization—technical assistance at the drop of a hat, UNIX style performance, and ease of use the likes of which you’ve never seen before in a personal server system. All in all, if you’re looking for a quality way to host your website, manage an email server, set up a calendar platform, or just about anything else sever related, consider OS X Server for the home or office next time you’re in the market. We guarantee you’ll find that Apple’s right: The thing just works.

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