Mac Pro with Snow Leopard Server
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. Now preloaded with Mac OS X Server, the Mac Pro tower form factor can be deployed in an office environment on or under a desk, or in a data center environment on a shelf in a rack with two units per 12U.
Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server
Since its introduction in the fall of 2009, Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server has become Apple’s most popular server system. It brings great capability in a small, efficient form factor that is affordable and can be deployed anywhere. Perfect for small business and workgroups of up to 50 people, a single Mac mini can run the full suite of Mac OS X Server services. 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.
Depending on the workload and number of users, a single Xserve could be replaced with one or multiple Mac mini server systems.
During the gradual transition from Xserve, Apple will continue to provide warranty service and complimentary technical support for the product. Apple continues to offer Mac OS X Server on the popular Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server solution and the new Mac Pro with Snow Leopard Server solution as alternatives to Xserve.
Apple will continue to take orders for current Xserve models through January 31, 2011. These systems will have Apple’s full standard one-year warranty. The AppleCare Premium Service and Support program for Xserve is available as an option at time of order to extend complimentary technical support and hardware service coverage to three years from the Xserve date of purchase.
Apple will honor and support all Xserve system warranties and extended support programs. Apple intends to offer the current shipping 160GB, 1TB, and 2TB Apple Drive Modules for Xserve through the end of 2011 or while supplies last. Apple will continue to support Xserve customers with service parts for warranty and out-of- warranty service.
Customers can rest assured that Intel-based Xserve systems will continue to provide useful service during and after this transition.
More info, including benchmarks of Mac Pro and Mac mini vs. Xserve, in Apple’s “Xserve Transition Guide” (.pdf) here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “Fred Mertz” and “Edward W.” for the heads up.]
Disheartening.
Cramming Westmeres in a 1U case is obviously hard work.
Ummmm. WTF???!
I read this news earlier and was waiting for MDN to post it so I may voice my dismay. I feel Apple is big enough, able enough to continue some of their product lines even if they seem a bit dead weight. This was important, Apple, for those that care to run Final Cut Pro etc. in an enterprise environment. Suggesting Mac Minis or Mac Pros are just offensive.
It was prestigious when Apple servers were used at Virgina Tech’s System X cluster. I had built a SMPS cluster at my school using left-over 200 HP and IBM boxes in 2005, and had recommended school to switch to Xserve when the budgets would allow.
Not one of your insanely great moves Apple.
MDN MW: ‘costs’ aren’t always monetary kind.
What are they using in the new data center?
Sales clearly lagged.
The Xserve has been a wonderful but horribly overpriced unit for years now.
Too hard to make inroads in that limited market.
Good. Dump unnecessary low margin products.
Makes me wonder about the future of Xsan now. Or for that matter, Mac OS X Server itself. So much for Apple being serious about playing in the Enterprise space.
Dumb, incredibly stupid move.
I too am now worried about Mac OS X Server.
I would say that this opens up the possibility of licensing OSX Server to companies with more inroads and support networks for that market.
Isn’t it true, that Steve Jobs and Fred Mertz have never been seen in the same room? Isn’t it in fact true that, whenever Mr. Jobs is in view, Mr. Mertz is nowhere to be seen and vice-versa?
Just wondering…
I really liked the 2 Xserves I have administered in my career, but I have to say they are big beasts and VERY noisy. I understand they should be installed in a separate room away from people, but many small businesses don’t have the space to do that.
The Mac mini server is incredible value for money, and it includes unlimited client OS X Server so it’s a no-brainer in my opinion. I currently have 2 running in my workplace, and they are sweet. Small, silent and very fast.
I haven’t used a Mac Pro Server but I imagine they are a lot easier to install (no rack required) and much quieter but just as powerful as the Xserves.
RIP Xserve.
Critic…my first thoughts exactly…
What will be the next move?
I don’t take their temp solution just like that…
Licensing it?
Just when apple seems to be penetrating the enterprise, they do this? Seems like a mistake, even if they don’t sell many.
Apple has started, then pulled back, then re-started and now pulls back again with enterprise. This will kill Apple in govt and enterprise forever. XSAN do not depend on it long term the writing is on the wall. Apple is as focused on enterprise as Intuit is on Apple software. Maybe when they can figure out how to put a touch screen pullout in the Xserve then it will come back.
There goes my effort to consolidate.
I don’t want to run buggy Linux in order to continue using 1u servers. Minis are fine for name and print services but heavy mail? I doubt it.
This is disappointing but not surprising considering Apple’s consumer direction and silence on the product.
Apple should just convert the Xserve into the mythical mid-range headless Mac that so many of us have been dreaming about!
It’s too bad to see Xserve go.
Funny, but I’ve never actually seen one in person!
This is NOT COOL at all. We have an entire rack of Xserves that are hosting websites for clients. WTF are we supposed to do after this transition happens?? Geez, thanks for nothing, Apple.
I would imagine that there will be a replacement given the moves into business…
Apple are pushing for iOS and Mac OS in business, then go and drop the server line in favor of desktops running server software. Apple are
Incredulous!
Apple are pushing for iOS and Mac OS in business, then go and drop the server line in favor of desktops running server software. Apple are not doing themselves any favors here.
Incredulous!
I assumed that Apple put the Xserve computers in the billion dollar server farm. That is a lot of Mac mini servers. Maybe they have a mix of Mac Pro and Mini servers there. I would love to see a few pictures or a tour done by Steve Jobs later this month. Assuming it is “on schedule”!
It means that Apple is going Licence Xserve !!!!!!!!!
Our company has 4 of these. We buy rack mounted systems not Mac Mini’s or Mac Pro’s to sit on the floor. The next time one of MDN’s crazy readers wonders why IT folks don’t support Apple remember this episode. I will continue to support Mac clients but will never buy into their Server hardware or Server operating system again.