Lion is the next version of Mac OS X that will be released later this year. Apple released a developer preview today and it included a surprise inside — Mac OS X Lion Server. Mac OS X Lion Server is now a core feature of OS X Lion and included for the time being at no extra cost. You will be able to selectively setup your Mac as either a regular Mac OS X client or as a Server during the OS installation.
Once your Mac is transformed into a server you will be able to perform local or remote administration and implement server features that include: configuration of users and groups, file sharing, contacts, chat, Time Machine, VPN, mail, calendaring, push notifications, web, and wikipedia — all services that run under Mac OS X Lion Server.
The new twist to all this is support for the Apple iPad. This is accomplished via the Profile Manager which provides simplified setup and management of Macs running OS X Lion and all iOS based devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch). All of this is leveraged off of existing network directory services, but even more important is the ability to push updates to these mobile devices over the air. Those updates are pushed out using Apple Push Notification services.
David W. Martin has more than 20 years of experience in the industry as a programmer, systems and business analyst, author, and consultant. David has written for CNET’s iPhoneatlas.com, MacLife.com, CultofMac.com, BYTE.com and recently for aNewDoman.net. He comes to Cult of Mac’s website with deep knowledge and passion for the all things Apple. Follow David on Twitter @david_w_martin or see what he’s up to now at davidwmartin.com.
38 responses to “Feast Your Eyes On Lion Server [Gallery]”
So the Lion install DVD is going to come with Lion client and Lion Server?
Really?
Who’s to say it will be on a DVD?
What’s the connection between Cupertino and Trinidad and Tobago?
True. If upgrades are only available through the Mac App Store, what does that do to hackintoshes?
Where can I see the tech spec? LDAP version, SAMBA version, ISC products version, MTA version etc.
uhhh…can someone tell me where the server app is located in the preview?
so apple just want that the user leave their mac/server running at home or office and go out with the ipad/iphone/ipod on-the-go.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Does Lion still have “Software Update” on it?
You have to do a customized install to select and install the server components.
First they unified the 32- and 64-bit installs, and now OS X “universal” is complete. Windows discs, eat your heart out.
I would imagine Software Update still exists, because in my opinion it seems counterintuitive to route system and firmware updates through something called the “Mac App Store.” iOS updates still come through iTunes, rather than the App Store.
Yes it dose
Interesting and useful post
Can anyone tell me how to set up a DNS?
I LOVE the icon!
the yellow dot if over Venezuela :D
so i selected the customize button and clicked server! but it didn’t install the server app or any server application that comes along with it. anyone know why?
 i can offer this services through the internet as well??Â
you do realise that serial numbers for mac are nothing special. they just specify model year and components.
Nice
you can watch the video at Lynda.com. They have a 6-hour essential training on Mac OS X server, with an excellent chapter on DNS setup.