Specifications

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Technology Overview
Xserve
Innovative Remote Management
Mac OS X Server comes with innovative remote management tools that provide a
consistent, unified interface for setting up and managing the built-in services. The
Server Admin application enables network administrators to securely manage services
on multiple servers at the same time—all from the same easy-to-use application.
Administrators can use Server Admin on any Internet-connected Mac OS X computer
to install software updates (including system software), set preferences, and config-
ure workgroup and Internet services—such as Samba 3, Apache, DHCP, Postfix, and
QuickTime Streaming Server.
Mac OS X Server also makes it easy to monitor services remotely. Server Admin
displays the current status of services running on Xserve systems. Administrators can
read access and error logs, view charts of traffic patterns, and graph the performance
of individual network services and file throughput—providing valuable information
for planning and allocating network resources.
For administrators who prefer to manage from a terminal, Mac OS X Server includes
Secure Shell (SSH2) technology for encrypted and authenticated login. Xserve is
equipped with a DB-9 (9-pin) serial port, giving UNIX-savvy administrators a way
to access the system through a serial console session, even when network services
are down. Command-line tools allow administrators to remotely install software, run
Software Update, or set system and network preferences. In addition, Mac OS X Server
supports industry-standard Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for inte-
grating with third-party products such as HP OpenView.
Powerful Workgroup Management Services
Mac OS X Server provides services to Mac OS X clients that no other server platform
can. Workgroups of any size can benefit from the management, system imaging,
security capabilities, and collaboration features that integrate seamlessly with the
desktop user experience.
Mac OS X Server includes Workgroup Manager, a suite of powerful tools for
directory-based management of users, computers, and groups. Easy-to-use desktop
management administration tools let you manage Mac systems from anywhere on
the network. You can create standardized desktop configurations; set system prefer-
ences; establish password policies; automount home directories and group folders;
and control access to hardware, software, and network resources.
By using Xserve to power your Mac OS X workgroup, you can streamline the support
of Macintosh clients and reduce system administration costs through system imaging
tools. Use NetBoot to host a standard operating system and application configuration
on all of the desktop systems. For security-conscious organizations, NetBoot permits
Mac computers to boot “disklessly”—without needing to read from or write to the
computer’s local drive. Also, NetInstall is an ideal solution for installing software on
the Mac OS X desktop and portable systems on your network.
The Software Update Server gives you extended flexibility in managing software
updates. This streamlined process allows you to cache Apple software updates locally
and lets you decide how and when users should view and download the software—
reducing bandwidth consumption and saving the costs of multiple downloads.
High-availability services
To minimize downtime and maximize data
protection, Mac OS X Server includes high-
availability features such as software RAID,
directory replication, file system journaling, a
two-node IP failover service, and “watchdog”
features such as automatic restart of the
server and individual services.
Workgroups made easy
With powerful desktop management
features built into the Mac OS X Server
operating system, Xserve makes managing,
securing, and imaging easy, plus provides
centralized data access for collaboration.