Apple Inc."s latest version of Mac OS X, known as Leopard, has been big technology news for the past few weeks as Mac users have eagerly awaited the next-generation operating system. Although not as flashy as the client-side operating system for a general audience, Leopard Server packs its own serious updates for Mac users and systems administrators, multiplatform IT professionals and, if Apple has its way, for small businesses everywhere.
After years of positioning Mac OS X Server primarily with its Xserve high-end server hardware as an enterprise server application, Apple is trying to open Leopard Server to a wider audience. Apple"s new focus is on small businesses and small workgroups within a larger corporate network. As with previous releases, Leopard Server can run on a wide variety of hardware, on anything from a Power PC Mac mini right through the highest-end Xserve. This, combined with the platform"s extensive support for Windows PC clients and Windows Server environments, may well mean a broader customer base for Leopard Server.