Apple in the enterprise: client, not server

Aside from my duties at IT PRO, I run a video production business, exactly the type of outfit that Apple targets.

We specifically moved from yes a Mac Pro set up as a server to an Xserve, because it could go in a rack. The other equipment, including switches, the router, and a NAS used for archiving projects, is all rackmounted so having the Xserve in a rack makes for a much neater system. This applies whether you have one rack in the corner of an office, or a purpose-built data centre.

When it comes to replace the Xserve, we will be forced either to reconfigure all the IT kit in the rack, or to look at a Linux server. But there is another option, if Apple chooses to allow it.

It is probably a step too far for Apple to support OSX Server directly on HP, Dell or IBM boxes. But Cupertino could easily allow customers to host OSX server on a hypervisor, ideally VMWare.

It already supports Parallels Server, but only on Apple hardware. Removing that restriction would give an upgrade path to Xserve users, and might even see OSX Server win more friends in the enterprise.

Stephen Pritchard is a contributing editor at IT PRO.

Comments? Questions? You can email him here.