MacOS Server


macOS Server, formerly named Mac OS X Server and OS X Server, is a discontinued, stand-alone server operating system by Apple Inc.. It is also the name of its replacement software, an operating system addition, for macOS that provides additional server programs along with management and administration tools for iOS and macOS.
Prior to version 10.7, Mac OS X Server was a separate but similar Unix server operating system by Apple Inc., that was architecturally identical to its desktop counterpart Mac OS X. With the release of version 10.7, Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server were combined into one release. A separate "server" operating system is no longer sold; the server-specific server applications and work group management and administration software tools from Mac OS X Server are now offered as macOS Server, an add-on package for macOS sold through the Mac App Store, along with Workgroup Manager 10.8, available from the Apple support web site.
These tools simplify access to several network services, including a mail transfer agent, AFP and SMB servers, an LDAP server, a domain name server, and others. Also included are numerous additional services and the tools to manage them, such as web server, wiki server, chat server, calendar server, and many others.

Overview

Mac OS X Server was provided as the operating system for Xserve computers, rack mounted server computers designed by Apple. Also, it was optionally pre-installed on the Mac Mini and Mac Pro and was sold separately for use on any Macintosh computer meeting its minimum requirements.
macOS Server is based on an open source foundation called Darwin and uses open industry standards and protocols. It included services and applications for file sharing, sharing contact information and calendars, schedule events, send secure instant messages, conduct live video conferences, send and receive email, contribute to and comment in wikis, publish a company-wide blog, produce and distribute podcasts, and set up websites.

Versions

Mac OS X Server 1.0 (Rhapsody)

The first version of Mac OS X was Mac OS X Server 1.0. Mac OS X Server 1.0 – 1.2v3 were based on Rhapsody, a hybrid of OPENSTEP from NeXT Computer and Mac OS 8.5.1. The GUI looked like a mixture of Mac OS 8's Platinum appearance with OPENSTEP's NeXT-based interface. It included a runtime layer called Blue Box for running legacy Mac OS-based applications within a separate window. There was discussion of implementing a 'transparent blue box' which would intermix Mac OS applications with those written for Rhapsody's Yellow Box environment, but this would not happen until Mac OS X's Classic environment. Apple File Services, Macintosh Manager, QuickTime Streaming Server, WebObjects, and NetBoot were included with Mac OS X Server 1.0 – 1.2v3. It could not use FireWire devices.

Mac OS X Server 10.0 (Cheetah)

Released: May 21, 2001
Mac OS X Server 10.0 included the new Aqua user interface, Apache, PHP, MySQL, Tomcat, WebDAV support, Macintosh Manager, and NetBoot.

Mac OS X Server 10.1 (Puma)

Released: September 25, 2001

Mac OS X Server 10.2 (Jaguar)

Released: August 23, 2002
The 10.2 Mac OS X Server release includes updated Open Directory user and file management, which with this release is based on LDAP, beginning the deprecation of the NeXT-originated NetInfo architecture. The new Workgroup Manager interface improved configuration significantly. The release also saw major updates to NetBoot and NetInstall. Many common network services are provided such as NTP, SNMP, web server, mail server, LDAP, AFP, and print server. The inclusion of Samba version 3 allows tight integration with Windows clients and servers. MySQL v4.0.16 and PHP v4.3.7 are also included.

Mac OS X Server 10.3 (Panther)

Released: October 24, 2003
The 10.3 Mac OS X Server release includes updated Open Directory user and file management, which with this release is based on LDAP, beginning the deprecation of the NeXT-originated NetInfo architecture. The new Workgroup Manager interface improved configuration significantly. Many common network services are provided such as NTP, SNMP, web server, mail server, LDAP, AFP, and print server. The inclusion of Samba version 3 allows tight integration with Windows clients and servers. MySQL v4.0.16 and PHP v4.3.7 are also included.

Mac OS X Server 10.4 (Tiger)

Released: April 29, 2005
The 10.4 release adds 64-bit application support, Access Control Lists, Xgrid, link aggregation, e-mail spam filtering, virus detection, Gateway Setup Assistant, and servers for Software Update, iChat Server using XMPP, Boot Camp Assistant, Dashboard, and weblogs.
On August 10, 2006, Apple announced the first Universal Binary release of Mac OS X Server, version 10.4.7, supporting both PowerPC and Intel processors. At the same time Apple announced the release of the Intel-based Mac Pro and Xserve systems.
Software10.410.4.11
PHP?4.4.9
MySQL?4.1.22
Apache?1.3.41
BIND?9.3.6-P2

Mac OS X Server 10.5 (Leopard Server)

Released: October 26, 2007.
Leopard Server sold for $999 for an unlimited-client license. Mac OS X Server version 10.5.x ‘Leopard’ was the last major version of Mac OS X Server to support PowerPC-based servers and workstations such as the Apple Xserve G5 and Power Mac G5.
Features
Software10.510.5.110.5.210.5.310.5.410.5.510.5.610.5.710.5.810.5.8 2010-00710.5.8 2011-004
PHP5.2.45.2.45.2.45.2.55.2.55.2.65.2.65.2.85.2.115.2.14
MySQL5.0.455.0.455.0.455.0.455.0.455.0.455.0.675.0.675.0.825.0.91
Apache2.2.62.2.62.2.62.2.82.2.82.2.82.2.92.2.112.2.132.2.14
BIND9.4.1-P19.4.1-P19.4.1-P19.4.1-P19.4.2-P19.4.2-P29.4.2-P29.4.3-P19.4.2-P39.4.2-P3
Ruby1.8.6
Ruby on Rails1.2.6

Mac OS X Server 10.6 (Snow Leopard Server)

Released: August 28, 2009
Snow Leopard Server sold for $499 and included unlimited client licenses.
New Features:
Software10.6.010.6.110.6.210.6.310.6.410.6.510.6.610.6.710.6.8
PHP5.3.0???5.3.25.3.35.3.35.3.45.3.15
MySQL5.0.82???5.0.75.0.915.0.915.0.915.0.92
Apache2.2.11???2.2.142.2.152.2.152.2.172.2.22
BIND9.6.0-P2???9.6.0-P29.6.0-P29.6.0-P29.6.0-P29.6-ESV-R4-P3

Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion Server)

Released: July 20, 2011
In releasing the developer preview of Mac OS X Lion in February 2011, Apple indicated that beginning with Lion, Mac OS X Server would be bundled with the operating system and would not be marketed as a separate product. However, a few months later, the company said it would instead sell the server components as a US$49.99 add-on to Lion, distributed through the Mac App Store. The combined cost of an upgrade to Lion and the purchase of the OS X Server add-on, which costs approximately US$50, was nonetheless significantly lower than the retail cost of Snow Leopard Server.
Lion Server came with unlimited client licenses as did Snow Leopard Server.
Lion Server includes new versions of iCal Server, Wiki Server, and Mail Server. More significantly, Lion Server can be used for iOS mobile device management.
Software10.710.7.110.7.210.7.3 11D200110.7.4 11E5310.7.5 11G63
Server.app???1.3.11.4.31.5.0
PHP???5.3.85.3.105.3.15
Postfix???2.8.42.8.42.8.4
Python???2.7.12.7.12.7.1
PostgreSQL???9.0.59.0.59.0.5
Apache???2.2.212.2.212.2.22
BIND???9.7.3-P39.7.3-P39.7.6-P1

OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion Server)

Released: July 25, 2012.
Like Lion, Mountain Lion had no separate server edition. An OS X Server package was available for Mountain Lion from the Mac App Store for US$19.99, which included a server management application called Server, as well as other additional administrative tools to manage client profiles and Xsan.
Mountain Lion Server, like Lion Server, was provided with unlimited client licenses, and once purchased could be run on an unlimited number of systems.
Software10.8.010.8.110.8.210.8.310.8.410.8.5
PHP????5.3.155.3.29
Python????2.7.22.7.2
PostgreSQL????9.2.19.2.1
Apache????2.2.222.2.29
BIND????9.8.3-P1?
OpenLDAP?????2.4.28

OS X 10.9 (Mavericks Server)

Released: October 22, 2013.
There is no separate server edition of Mavericks, just as there was no separate server edition of Mountain Lion. There is a package, available from the Mac App Store for $19.99, that includes a server management app called Server, as well as other additional administrative tools to manage client profiles and Xsan, and once purchased can be run on an unlimited number of machines. Those enrolled in the Mac or iOS developer programs are given a code to download OS X Server for free.
SoftwareDeveloper Preview 110.9.010.9.110.9.410.9.5
Apache2.2.242.2.242.2.242.2.262.2.26
BIND?9.9.2-P29.9.2-P29.9.2-P29.9.2-P2
PHP5.3.255.4.175.4.175.4.245.4.30
Postfix???2.9.42.9.4
PostgreSQL?9.2.49.2.49.2.89.2.8
Python?2.7.52.7.52.7.52.7.5

OS X 10.10 (Yosemite Server 4.0)

Released: October 16, 2014.
There is no separate server edition of Yosemite, just as there was no separate server edition of Mavericks. There is a package, available from the Mac App Store for $19.99, that includes a server management app called Server, as well as other additional administrative tools to manage client profiles and Xsan, and once purchased can be run on an unlimited number of machines. Those enrolled in the Mac or iOS developer programs are given a code to download OS X Server for free.
Software10.10.010.10.410.10.5
Apache2.4.92.4.102.4.16
BIND9.9.59.9.59.9.7-P2
PHP5.5.145.5.245.5.27
Postfix2.11.02.11.02.11.0
PostgreSQL9.3.59.3.59.3.5
Python2.7.62.7.62.7.10
OpenLDAP???

OS X 10.11 (Server 5.0)

Released: September 16, 2015.
Version 5.0.3 of OS X Server operates with either OS X Yosemite 10.10.5 and OS X El Capitan 10.11.
Software10.11.010.11.110.11.210.11.310.11.410.11.510.11.6
Apache2.4.162.4.162.4.162.4.162.4.182.4.182.4.18
BIND9.9.7-P29.9.7-P29.9.7-P39.9.7-P39.9.7-P39.9.7-P39.9.7-P3
PHP5.5.275.5.295.5.305.5.305.5.315.5.345.5.36
Postfix2.11.02.11.02.11.02.11.02.11.02.11.02.11.0
PostgreSQL9.3.99.3.99.3.99.3.99.4.59.4.59.4.5
Python2.7.102.7.102.7.102.7.102.7.102.7.102.7.10
OpenLDAP2.4.282.4.282.4.282.4.282.4.282.4.282.4.28

OS X 10.11 (Server 5.1)

Released: March 21, 2016.
OS X Server 5.1 requires 10.11.4 El Capitan, and previous versions of OS X Server won't work on 10.11.4 El Capitan.

macOS 10.12 (Server 5.2)

Released: September 20, 2016.
Version 5.2 of macOS Server operates with either OS X El Capitan 10.11 or macOS Sierra 10.12.
Software10.12.010.12.110.12.210.12.310.12.410.12.510.12.6
Apache2.4.232.4.232.4.252.4.252.4.252.4.252.4.26
BIND9.9.7-P39.9.7-P39.9.7-P39.9.7-P39.9.7-P39.9.7-P39.9.7-P3
PHP5.6.245.6.255.6.275.6.285.6.305.6.305.6.30
Postfix3.1.13.1.13.1.13.1.13.1.13.1.13.1.1
PostgreSQL9.4.69.4.69.4.69.4.69.4.69.4.69.4.6
Python2.7.102.7.102.7.102.7.102.7.102.7.102.7.10
OpenLDAP2.4.282.4.282.4.282.4.282.4.282.4.282.4.28

macOS 10.12 (Server 5.3)

Released: March 17, 2017.
Version 5.3 of macOS Server only operates on macOS Sierra and later.
For macOS Server 5.3.1:
Software10.12.6
Apache2.4.28
BIND9.9.7-P3
PHP5.6.30
Postfix3.1.6
PostgreSQL9.4.6
Python2.7.10
OpenLDAP2.4.28

macOS 10.13 (Server 5.4)

Released: September 25, 2017.
Version 5.4 of macOS Server only operates on macOS High Sierra and later.

macOS 10.13.3 (Server 5.5)

Released: January 23, 2018.
Version 5.5 of macOS Server only operates on macOS High Sierra and later.

macOS 10.13.5 (Server 5.6)

Released: April 24, 2018.
Version 5.6 of macOS Server only operates on macOS High Sierra and later.
Software10.13.510.13.6
Apache2.4.332.4.33
BIND9.9.7-P39.9.7-P3
PHP7.1.167.1.16
Postfix3.2.23.2.2
PostgreSQL9.4.159.4.15
Python2.7.102.7.10
OpenLDAP2.4.282.4.28

macOS 10.14 (Server 5.7)

Released: September 28, 2018.
Version 5.7 of macOS Server only operates on macOS Mojave and later.
With this version Apple stopped bundling open source services such as Calendar Server, Contacts Server, the Mail Server, DNS, DHCP, VPN Server, and Websites with macOS Server. Included services are now limited to Profile Manager, Open Directory and Xsan.

macOS 10.14 (Server 5.8)

Released: March 25, 2019.
Version 5.8 of macOS Server only operates on macOS Mojave and later. Profile Manager supports new restrictions, payloads, and commands.

macOS 10.15 (Server 5.9)

Released: October 8, 2019.
Version 5.9 of macOS Server only operates on macOS Catalina and later.

macOS 10.15 (Server 5.10)

Released: April 1, 2020.
Version 5.10 of macOS Server only operates on macOS Catalina and later.

Server administrator tools

System requirements


Operating system versionProcessorMemoryHard drive
Mac OS X Server 10.4Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, PowerPC G4, or PowerPC G3 processor512 MB of physical RAM10 GB of available disk space
Mac OS X Server 10.5Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 processor1 GB of physical RAM20 GB of available disk space
Mac OS X Server 10.6Mac desktop computer with an Intel processor 2 GB of physical RAM10 GB of available disk space
Mac OS X Server 10.7x86-64 based Macintosh computer2 GB of physical RAM7 GB of available disk space

Technical specifications

File and print services
Directory services and authentication
Mail services
Calendaring
Web hosting
Collaboration services
Application servers
Media streaming
Client management
Networking and VPN
Distributed computing
High-availability features
File systems
Management features
macOS Server is available in English, Japanese, French, German, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese.