This is just like the Windows environment you are coming from. You become homogenous in your deployment and everything is under the same vendor. If your decision is to move all your Desktop/Laptops systems to Macs and you are already iOS heavy, then there is nothing better than also having a Mac Server in the environment. You base question is 'Can a Mac mini Server replace my Windows 2003 server?' The answer is yes. Would I better giving more cash to Mr Gates ?Īny views and opinions gratefully received! Is it possible to transfer the outlook mail files across to it (or would this simply download itself once the mail accounts are set up ?) Given that our actual requirements for a server aren't particularly taxing - Windows Server Essentials 2012 + Exchange is quite a big investment to make, and we probably wouldn't use 25% of its intended capability.ĭoes anyone have any experience, of implementing OSX server for a small business - what are the downsides ? Replacement of the desk tops is a given with iMacs any way so doesn't come in to the equation, but it occurred to me that we could buy a Mac Mini to act as a server, and OSX server, for a fraction of the cost of Server 2012, a new PC to run it on, and Exchange Server. I tend to work remotely quite a lot, and at present use gotomypc to log in to my desktop from a remote pc or mac.

We have only 3 PC's hooked in to the server and a variety of iPads and iPhones using exchange. Our server at the moment, acts as a central shared file server with a single Directory, which is accessed by the other PC's on the network and the server also handles our mail distribution, and syncs our iPads and iPhones to outlook. I've been looking at Windows Server 2012 Essentials - but note that this doesn't include Exchange to manage our mail - so we'd have to purchase this separately or use Office 365 - which we'd rather not have to do. We want to replace the ageing pc's with iMacs. The hardware that Server 2003 is running on is only 32 bit - so to upgrade to Windows Server 2012, I'm automatically looking at having to buy a new 64 bit box.

Since these were all acquired we've become Mac converts and I'm loathed to give Microsoft more money!Īs Server 2003 is coming to an end in terms of support, we've been looking at the options for a suitable replacement. We are a small business and currently have an ageing Windows Server 2003 set up - and some fairly old desk top pc's which are overdue for renewal, as they are running XP SP2. Hello All - I wonder if I could have your views and opinions on the following.įorgive me in advance, as I'm not very techie!

Mac os x windows server