14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has updated its Sever software which lets administrators share files, schedule meetings, synchronize contacts, configure Macs, iPhones and iPads, remotely access networks, host websites, and more.
The changelog for OS X Server version 2.2.1 mentions the Caching Server feature which speeds up software downloads distributed by Apple through the Mac App Store.
The update adds Time Machine service monitoring to see backup information, such as which computers have carried out the task, when they made their last backup, the size of the image, and more.
MacBook Pros with Retina displays now get Wiki Server support. There’s a new ability to use Active Directory groups within Profile Manager, and the Certificate management interface has been centralized.
Three general-level fixes are also mentioned: “fix for deleting apps uploaded to Profile Manager; fix for setup failures due to an SSL error; fixes for upgrading from Lion Server.”
Several security patches are included as well. Affecting Profile Manager and Wiki Server, a type casting issue existed in Ruby on Rails' handling of XML parameters, enabling a remote attacker to cause arbitrary code execution.
The issue was addressed by disabling XML parameters in the Rails implementation used by Profile Manager, according to the documentation on the security content of OS X Server 2.2.1. Wiki Server was also affected.
A type casting issue also existed in Ruby on Rails' handling of JSON data, also enabling a remote attacker to cause arbitrary code. This issue was reportedly addressed by switching to using the JSONGem backend for JSON parsing.
Server is now an application that users can simply add to OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion right from the Mac App Store for an affordable $19.99 / €17.99.
“Anyone can quickly and easily turn a Mac running Mountain Lion into a server that’s perfect for home offices, businesses, schools, and hobbyists alike,” Apple says.