Mac OS Server will no longer be a ... server?

[AxiomaticRubric]

I understand the concept, though: Back in the day, you'd port a server to a platform and you'd feel good about yourself until the next major release of the software; bugs and security issues be damned. Today people expect a recent version, at the very least quick back-porting of security fixes, and so on, and that's before you get to the wrapping layer that hopefully makes it all feel as though you're managing an Apple product rather than a usually pretty complex entanglement of various software.

Medium business and up will already have Linux or Windows competence enough to run all of these services in their native environments, so Apple is really only "losing" small businesses and home users here, and those were paying peanuts for a growing amount of responsibility on Apple's part.

Maybe Apple realized they couldn't compete in this space? Even so, support of macOS Server could have offered them long term benefits especially in the enterprise market.

On the other hand this could be an indication that they have been working on their own server software rebuilt from the ground up using Swift and the latest macOS APIs.

 

[tevion5]

this could be an indication that they have been working on their own server software rebuilt from the ground up using Swift and the latest macOS APIs.

I admire your optimism. I doubt it, but I hope you're right.

 

[Mikael H]

Maybe Apple realized they couldn't compete in this space? Even so, support of macOS Server could have offered them long term benefits especially in the enterprise market.

On the other hand this could be an indication that they have been working on their own server software rebuilt from the ground up using Swift and the latest macOS APIs.

Even Microsoft, who had a pretty good grip on the enterprise server market are leaving areas where Windows simply doesn’t make sense. They’re also actively working on getting people off the GUI and down into the shell like if it was 1978. It’s very efficient, but not very Apple-like.

Apple in the server room would require them to build their own rack servers again, or allow virtualization of macOS on generic server hardware. Perhaps they will move towards eating their own dog food in this area - Apple seem to dislike being subjects to the whim of third-parties - but for now I’m not sure they think it makes sense, economically or otherwise.

 

[d4gli]

server? server needs hotswap hdd... no time for graceful shutdowns to replace hdd and rebuild raid. good old xserves....

 

[Waragainstsleep]

According to the release notes of Server 5.6 on the developer portal, it looks like OD is on the way out in the fall as well.

Doesn't Profile Manager have some dependency on OD?

 

[Nermal]

Doesn't Profile Manager have some dependency on OD?

The release notes actually appear to contradict themselves.

With the Fall 2018 macOS Server release, we will stop re-distributing open source servers
(Open Directory, the Calendar Server, the Contacts Server, and the Mail Server, DNS, DHCP,
VPN Server, and Websites).

We continue to actively develop and support the other features of macOS Server, including
Open Directory, Profile Manager and Xsan management.

 

[bluespider]

My server pretty much runs file sharing, caching, and vpn. Everything else is 3 party tools and apps. And with file sharing and caching mover to the os level that just leaves com. I will probably just move the VPN to a 3rd party tool and run regular OS X. For me thie changes Apple is making is no big deal.

What "tools" are you running if I can ask?

 

[dimme]

What "tools" are you running if I can ask?

I have online backup running, currently switching for crashplan to backblaze. Plex for streaming to my ROKU. Superduper for offsite backups. Security camera software. Virtual box for a windows 10 share. DriveDX, NoIP, fixity-osx-0.5 b& iTunes home sharing. Also access this machine from work if I need a file or just to get into my home network.

 

[hobowankenobi]

For those looking to replace Mac workstation support-specific services:

Free Netboot and SUS VM from Jamf. Have not run it in years, but it has been around a long time, and was better than Apple/Server even way back when...

Free Imaging Server tool from DeployStudio. Well worth learning if you have a fleet of machines (like school labs) that get re-imaged on a regular basis. Was always better and more full featured than Apple's tools.

Nearly everything else I used to use from Server has been replaced—with a better feature set, and better reliability (so far)—by Synology boxes.

 

[MacsRgr8]

Doesn't Profile Manager have some dependency on OD?

Yes, it does.
It seems to need an own OD (or external LDAP / AD) with users to assign an iOS device to an owner in this database.

Most MDM's can also connect to any-other LDAP or AD, but also run as a "stand alone" database, where an iOS device can enroll without the "owner".

Any Apple device enrolled into Profile Manager needs a user in the advice database (LDAP / AD own OD), i.e. the "owner".
Maybe Apple is leaving the policy too.