5 Server Operating Systems For Your Business

Mac OS X Server is Apple's Unix server operating system. At its core, OS X Server shares a number of components with FreeBSD, and most Linux or xBSD apps can be recompiled fairly easily to run on OS X. According to Apple, Mac OS X Server's full Unix conformance ensures compatibility with existing server and application software.

Based on the same architecture as Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server includes additional services, applications, and administration tools for managing and deploying servers. It's commonly found in small business, education, and large organizations.

Mac OS X Server includes services and applications for cross-platform file sharing, standards-based directory and authentication services, networking and security services, calendaring and scheduling, Web hosting, e-mail services, secure instant messaging, Web-based collaboration, system imaging, live video broadcasting and on-demand video streaming, podcast encode and delivery, client management, and distributed computing. OS X Server 10.6, the Snow Leopard version, features a full 64-bit operating system.

Mac OS X Server 10.5 retails for $999 with an unlimited-client license and $499 for a 10-client license.

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