Apple recently confirmed plans to discontinue the Xserve, noting that customers looking to upgrade, replace, or supplement existing Xserve systems with new Apple hardware have two server solutions to choose from. One of them is a new Mac Pro configuration appropriately called Mac Pro Server.On the web page dedicated to its 1U rackmount line of server computers, Apple reveals that “Xserve will no longer be available after January 31, but we’ll continue to fully support it.”
In a
PDF document detailing the methods Apple plans to transition users to new server solutions, the company further stresses that (emphasis ours):
• Apple will not be developing a future version of Xserve
• Orders for Xserve will be accepted through January 31, 2011
• Apple will honor all Xserve warranties and extended support programs
• Transition options to deploy Mac OS X Server include Mac Pro with Snow Leopard Server and Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server“Apple is transitioning away from Xserve,” reads Apple’s confirmation. “Xserve will be available for order through January 31, 2011. After that date, customers looking to upgrade, replace, or supplement existing Xserve systems with new Apple hardware have the following two server solutions to choose from.”
While the Server Mac mini is no stranger to the Apple fanbase,
the Mac Pro with Snow Leopard Server is.
According to its makers, “Mac Pro systems deliver performance and expandability equal to or surpassing Xserve, and offer an excellent server solution for customers looking for the highest levels of performance, storage, and expandability.”
Preloaded with Mac OS X Server, the tower form factor can easily be deployed in an office environment, on or under a desk, as well as in data center environments on a shelf in a rack with two units per 12U, Apple proposes.
A single Mac mini can also be deployed as a single-task server for a larger number of users in a business or education environment, Apple claims.
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