High-availability services

To minimize downtime and maximize data protection, Mac OS X Server includes high- availability features such as software RAID, directory replication, file system journaling, a two-node IP failover service, and “watchdog” features such as automatic restart of the server and individual services.

Technology Overview

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Xserve G5

Built on open standards, Mac OS X Server is compatible with existing network and computing infrastructures. Samba 3, the new version of the popular open source SMB/CIFS server, provides reliable file and printer sharing for Windows clients, as well as support for NT Domain services. The built-in directory services architecture is based on LDAPv3, allowing Mac OS X Server systems to host LDAP directory services or inte- grate with any network that uses LDAP directory services. In addition, Mac OS X Server includes compatibility with legacy directory service solutions such as NIS, as well as proprietary solutions such as Active Directory. What’s more, the open source UNIX- based foundation makes it easy to port and deploy existing tools to Mac OS X Server.

Innovative Remote Management

Mac OS X Server comes with innovative remote management tools that provide a consistent, unified interface for setting up and managing the built-in services. The new Server Admin application enables network administrators to securely manage services on multiple servers at the same time—all from the same easy-to-use application.

Administrators can use Server Admin on any Internet-connected Mac OS X computer to install software updates (including system software), set preferences, and configure workgroup and Internet services—such as Samba 3, Apache, DHCP, Postfix, and QuickTime Streaming Server.

Mac OS X Server also makes it easy to monitor services remotely. Server Admin displays the current status of all services running on Xserve systems. Administrators can read access and error logs, view charts of traffic patterns, and graph the perfor- mance of individual network services and file throughput—providing valuable information for planning and allocating network resources.

For administrators who prefer to manage from a terminal, Mac OS X Server includes Secure Shell (SSH2) technology for encrypted and authenticated login. Xserve G5 is equipped with a DB-9 (9-pin) serial port, giving UNIX-savvy administrators a way to access the system through a serial console session even when network services are down. Command-line tools allow administrators to remotely install software, run Software Update, or set system and network preferences. In addition, Mac OS X Server supports industry-standard Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for inte- grating with third-party products, such as HP OpenView.

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Apple Xserve G5 manual Innovative Remote Management, High-availability services
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Xserve G5 specifications

The Apple Xserve G5 was a powerful rack-mounted server that was introduced by Apple in 2004. Built on the robust PowerPC architecture, it marked a significant entry into the enterprise server market for the company, reflecting its commitment to high-performance computing and advanced technology solutions.

One of the main features of the Xserve G5 was its dual dual-core PowerPC G5 processors, which allowed for exceptional computation performance. This configuration enabled up to 8 processing cores in a single server unit, significantly enhancing multitasking capabilities and making it suitable for high-demand applications. With support for up to 16GB of DDR SDRAM, the server ensured ample memory for intensive operations and large-scale data processing tasks.

In terms of storage, the Xserve G5 featured a versatile design that supported up to four hot-swappable Serial ATA (SATA) drive bays. This capability enabled users to easily replace or upgrade hard drives without downtime, which is crucial in enterprise environments. The server also supported RAID configurations, offering options for increased reliability and data redundancy.

Networking capabilities were another highlight of the Xserve G5. It came equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing robust network throughput and redundancy. This feature was particularly valuable for mission-critical applications where uptime and performance were essential. Additionally, the Xserve G5 was compatible with various networking protocols and featured built-in support for Active Directory, simplifying integration into existing IT infrastructures.

The operating system of choice for the Xserve G5 was Mac OS X Server, which offered a user-friendly interface along with powerful server management tools. The software provided a wide range of services, including file sharing, web hosting, and email services, tailored for small to medium enterprises and education institutions.

For those seeking expandability, the Xserve G5 boasted a PCI-X expansion slot, allowing users to add various hardware components such as additional network interfaces or specialized processing cards.

In terms of its physical design, the Xserve G5 had a sleek, 1U form factor, making it easy to integrate into existing server racks while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The efficient cooling system was designed to keep the unit running optimally, ensuring reliability during extended periods of use.

In conclusion, the Apple Xserve G5 represented a significant advance in server technology with its powerful dual G5 processors, ample memory and storage options, and robust networking capabilities. Its combination of performance and user-friendly Mac OS X Server made it a notable choice for organizations seeking reliable computing solutions in the mid-2000s.
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