How Do I Know If I need OS X Server?
Lion Server comes with many different features, including:
File Sharing→
- Max OSX Server allows members of your group to exchange files, share folders, and access documents on a Mac, Apple’s iPad, or a PC.
- Mac’s OS X Server supports UNIX permissions and access control lists (ACLs), allowing for increased control over who shares what content.
- The intelligent Spotlight searching feature helps users find content on the server quickly and easily.
- The file-sharing connection monitoring feature enables you to see who is accessing your server, who is connected, and for how long.
Profile Manager→
- Profile Manager simplifies managing your Macs and iOS devices in your home or business network. This is where a lot of the network management happens including key functions such as:
- Create profiles to set up user accounts for mail, calendar, contacts, and messages
- Enforce and manage restrictions
- Set PIN and password policies
Profile Manager can automatically send out updated configurations, using the Apple Push Notification service. This feature supports web-based administration, so it is possible to manage your server from any modern web browser.
Time Machine→
OS X Server can act as a Time Machine backup location for all of your Apple computers and devices on the network. Conveniently, OS X Server eliminates the need for separate backup drives. OS X Server uses the Time Machine application to back up all your server data — including shared files, calendars, mail, and wikis— to another hard drive or back up storage system. It is even possible to view the backup status for each Mac device and computer on your network.
Wiki Server→
OS X Server makes collaboration and communication in groups easy through each users own wiki-powered website. Users can increase productivity by creating and editing wikis and individual pages and by implementing any of the following features:
- Tag and cross-reference material
- Upload files and images
- Create tables and add comments.
The wiki is accessible from a browser, so anyone can access it anywhere… anytime. Wiki Server can be used with your iPad, and iPad users can open and save attachments from the wiki in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
Calendar, Contacts, and Mail Servers→
- Calendar Server allows everyone on your network to share calendars, schedule meetings, book conference rooms, and coordinate events.
- Contacts Server allows for easy sharing of contacts and syncing them on your Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
- Mail Server in OS X Server works with email clients on the Mac, iPad, iPhone, and PC.
When Mac OS X Server Might Be Overkill
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