In April 2022, Apple decided to discontinue its macOS server. Apple had been phasing out its macOS server for several years and finally shut it down for good. The server offered services like the File Server, the Caching Server and Profile Manager.
macOS Server 5.12.2 is the latest version of the app, and alternatives to its services have already been established. Learn more about the current status of each macOS Server service and the available alternatives here.
Apple created macOS Server, a software package that expands the functionality of macOS with server-specific tools and services. Originally released as Mac OS X Server in 1999, it was intended to help manage a network of Apple devices in enterprise and educational settings with tools for sharing files, configuring email servers, and hosting websites. Here are some of the macOS server’s core functionalities:
- File Sharing
File Sharing offers centralized file storage and management in a network. It uses protocols such as Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) and Server Message Block (SMB) to facilitate file sharing and access management, allowing the macOS server to communicate seamlessly with other SMB-compatible devices.These protocols allow organizations to store, organize, and share files across multiple Apple devices, regardless of location. It helps teams collaborate easily with efficient access to documents, photos, and other files in a network.
- Caching Server
Content caching is a macOS server feature that accelerates software installation on Mac computers, iOS devices, iPadOS devices, and Apple TVs. The caching server saves local copies of previously downloaded content to a Mac computer’s content cache. Connected devices can then access it without downloading their copies from outside the LAN.By locally caching content, the amount of data that needs to be downloaded is significantly reduced. This helps save bandwidth, which can benefit businesses with limited internet resources. It also automates storing and serving updates and apps. This content caching of the macOs server ensures up-to-date devices without administrators manually distributing them. making device management more efficient.
- Profile Manager
The Profile Manager enables easy macOs device management by deploying, configuring, and administering Mac computers and iOS devices across an enterprise. It enables administrators to create and distribute configuration profiles that create user accounts, modify system settings, impose limitations, and implement PIN and password policies.Administrators can also configure devices remotely to lock or delete lost devices, distribute updates, manage apps, and set up networks and VPN configurations without physical access. Using the profile manager also helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protects sensitive data.
Why Did Apple Discontinue macOS Server?
Gradual Phase-Out
Apple’s decision to discontinue the macOS server was unsurprising.
In fact, Apple began to move away from the macOS server in 2011 when the company changed from a separate operating system to an add-on app with the release of the macOS Lion. This shift enabled the separate purchase and installation of server functionality.
Over the next few years, Apple included many of the macOS server’s essential capabilities, such as File Sharing and Caching Server, directly into the standard macOS. By 2018, Apple has begun to phase out some server-specific services, including the Mail and Web servers, directing users to third-party options.
When Apple formally discontinued the macOS Server in April 2022, it showed their goal of streamlining their software offerings and focusing on providing a unified experience via the primary macOS platform.
This move from Apple has prompted many organizations to look for a macOS server replacement. Apple advised users to migrate to macOS server alternative options, such as third-party Mobile Device Management (MDM) software.
Alternative MDM solutions
However, Apple has not provided an alternative for Profile Manager, instead, they recommend switching to other Mobile Device Management solutions. Here are some things to consider when migrating from Profile Manager to another MDM solution.
Some MDM solutions offer comprehensive support for specific Apple device types, such as Mac computers or iPhones, while others offer cross-platform support. Make sure to select an MDM provider that supports the Apple device types used in your organization. Miradore supports macOS and all major operating systems, including iOS, Android, and Windows 10 devices.
Here are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when migrating to a new MDM solution:
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- document the current MDM environment and its dependencies
- collect all necessary certificates, usernames, and passwords
- set up the new MDM solution and configure it for Apple services
- re-create the login profile and all configuration profiles
- test the migration on different device types
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Replace Profile Manager with LogMeIn Miradore
Miradore allows you to replace Apple Profile Manager. You can create configuration profiles or policies for entire groups directly in Miradore. If you want to continue using already created configurations, Miradore offers you the option to continue using “.mobileconfig” files exported from Apple Profile Manager.
by Phillip Hamada
Phill joined Miradore in November 2020 as a Digital Marketing Specialist. If he's not writing or translating content you can find him on a basketball court somewhere.
