14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has posted a knowledge base article that describes Xsan 2.2, an update available as a manual download and as an automatic Software Update, according to the Mac maker.
The document begins with a “Read before installing” note, which outlines some of the basics of preparing your computer for the update. Requirements are then disclosed. On the software side, Xsan 2.2 requires Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server v10.5.8 or 10.6 or later (Mac OS X Server required for MDC if you are using Xsan to manage users and groups) Xsan 2.0, 2.1, 2.1.1, or 2.2. From a hardware point of view, as an Xsan 2.2 user, you will need an Xserve with an Intel processor, or Mac Pro, 2GB RAM for Xsan client, 2GB RAM plus 2GB per volume for MDC and Apple Fibre Channel Card.
Apple then pinpoints three methods available for updating to / installing Xsan 2.2, using Software Update installation, Standalone installers or a Remote installation.
A changelog for Xsan 2.2 follows, listing the major changes occurring with the software. “The Xsan 2.2 Filesystem Update improves filesystem performance and reliability and is recommended for all Intel-based Xsan systems running Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server version 10.5.8 or later,” Apple says.
Other changes include 64-bit support on Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server v10.6, support for native extended attributes, the ability to enable filesystem search without file-content search, support for renaming a volume without reinitializing it, improved repair capabilities for the cvfsck command, a more reliable file Access Control Lists (ACLs) in deployments using Active Directory and quicker Spotlight recovery after failover, when metadata controllers use Mac OS X Server v10.6.
The Xsan 2.2 Admin Update and the improvements it brings are also detailed in the piece. Adding general improvements for remotely administering, configuring and maintaining Xsan deployments, the update also includes specific fixes for areas such as Binding to Open Directory in SAN Setup Assistant, changing a computer between client and metadata controller roles and reliably listing computers connected to the SAN and adding computers to the list, to name a few changes.
With these notes made public, Apple then directs users of its Support section to an additional tech note that details the security content of Xsan 2.2. According to the article, Apple has patched a single vulnerability discovered by Ben Greisler of Kadimac Corp Macintosh Integrators, who revealed to the Mac maker that another person viewing the display might see the user's name and password when screensharing via the Xsan Admin application. Apple has blocked the embedding of credentials in the connection URL to address the issue.
Visit Apple’s Support section here for full documentation on the Xsan 2.2 update.