Planning Server Usage | 2 |
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Before installing and setting up Mac OS X Server do a little planning and become familiar with your options.
The major goals of the planning phase are to make sure that:
ÂÂ Server user and administrator needs are addressed by the servers you deploy
ÂÂ Server and service prerequisites that affect installation and initial setup are identified
Installation planning is especially important if you’re integrating Mac OS X Server into an existing network, migrating from earlier versions of Mac OS X Server, or preparing to set up multiple servers. But even
Use this chapter to stimulate your thinking. It doesn’t present a rigorous planning guide, nor does it provide the details you need to determine whether to implement a particular service and assess its resource requirements. Instead, view this chapter as an opportunity to think about how to maximize the benefits of Mac OS X Server in your environment.
Planning, like design, isn’t necessarily a linear process. The sections in this chapter don’t require you to follow a mandatory sequence. Different sections in this chapter present suggestions that could be implemented simultaneously or iteratively.
Determining Your Server Needs
During the planning stage, determine how you want to use Mac OS X Server and identify whether there’s anything you need to accomplish before setting it up.
For example, you might want to convert an existing server to v10.6 and continue hosting directory, file, and mail services for clients on your network.
Before you install server software, you might need to prepare data to migrate to your new server, and perhaps consider whether it’s a good time to implement a different directory services solution.
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