Apple Unveils Mac OS X Server, a Groundbreaking Operating System for the Modern Server Era

Strategic Insights -

At the 1999 MacWorld Expo in San Francisco, Apple announced the release of Mac OS X Server, a pioneering server operating system that combines the strengths of Unix with the simplicity of Macintosh. This innovative OS was designed to provide a standards-based Internet server at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for businesses and organizations. According to Steve Jobs, Apple's interim CEO, "Mac OS X Server is Apple's first modern server operating system, and gets Apple started down an important road."

Key Takeaways:

  • Mac OS X Server is built on the high-performance Mach microkernel and BSD 4.4, providing a modern foundation for performance and stability.
  • The OS features Apache 1.3.3, a widely used HTTP server, which scales from workgroups to large Internet sites capable of handling millions of hits per day.
  • WebObjects 4, Apple's market-leading application server platform, supports Power Macintosh G3 systems, Unix, and Windows NT platforms, making it a versatile solution for large-scale Internet and intranet applications.
  • NetBoot allows a network of Macs to be booted and configured from a single server, making network administration seamless and secure.
  • Mac OS X Server supports up to 1,000 users and thousands of open files, providing scalable Apple file services.
  • System requirements include 64MB of RAM, 1GB hard drive, and a CD-ROM drive.

Statistics:

  • Estimated retail price of Mac OS X Server: U.S. $999
  • Price of pre-configured Power Macintosh Server G3: U.S. $4,999
  • RAM requirements: 64MB
  • Hard drive requirements: 1GB
  • CD-ROM drive requirements: CD-ROM drive
  • Release date (U.S.): First quarter of 1999
  • Release date (worldwide): Spring 1999

Sources:

  • Apple Computer, Inc. (press release), MacWorld Expo, San Francisco, Jan. 5, 1999
  • Apple Computer, Inc. (Mac OS X Server specifications), The Apple Store (www.apple.com)