Apple seeds new OS X Server 4.0 preview for testing ahead of OS X Yosemite launch

Apple on Wednesday released to developers a new version of OS X Server 4.0 carrying improvements to previously announced features, including SMB3 file sharing and new management options for devices running iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite.

According to the seed notes, Apple's latest OS X Server 4.0 build 14S323 brings a number of improvements to built-in systems like the server app, File Sharing and Profile Manager, all of which are designed to work with the upcoming OS X 10.10 Yosemite release.

Of note to enterprise users are Profile Manager features specific to Apple's recently released iOS 8 mobile operating system. With OS X Server 4.0, administrators have access to new payload settings and Mobile Device Management rules pertaining to cross-platform Continuity features introduced with iOS 8 and the forthcoming Yosemite. Along with tools offered in Apple Configurator 1.7, the new features offer more granular control over issued devices running the latest Apple software.

Apple requests developers to test upgrade and migration from OS X Snow Leopard and higher, as well as Xsan functionality.

Today's update comes one day after Apple issued the second OS X 10.10 Yosemite golden master build to developers, suggesting that the next-generation Mac OS will soon see public release.

Developers can download the latest OS X Server 4.0 release via Apple's Mac Dev Center.

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9 Comments

blastdoor

said about 9 years ago

I would like it if Cook's Apple would make a sustained, long-term effort to get Macs into business environments. I think I perceive a greater willingness among corporate IT types to consider supporting Macs than there was 10 years ago. But it's not going to happen without a sustained push from Apple.

I hope this is a step in that direction.

swissmac2

said about 9 years ago

I run a Mac server in a business environment with both PCs and Macs running off it and it's really good. Where I wish Apple would concentrate more is on releasing software that isn't so buggy. I'm not going to buy an iPhone 6 until they fix iOS 8.

tallest skil

said about 9 years ago

Originally Posted by Blastdoor

The IBM collaboration gives me hope for this, but honestly it’s Apple’s game to lose. And they’re losing big time.

Everything is weighted in their favor. Macs require FAR less maintenance, have FAR less down time, last FAR longer, all equating to FAR less lost revenue for whatever company rolls them out. Coupled with iOS in mobile use cases, I can see no sane reason for any company not to migrate to the ecosystem and fear for the intelligence–and future–of corporations who do not. That Apple is not running away with this proven information is their problem.

macxpress

said about 9 years ago

I'd like to see a real Server OS (like 10.6 Server), not an add-on to an existing desktop OS. They also need to fix Remote Desktop. It needs to be totally re-written. The app now is basically unusable which sucks because it used to be a really good app.

justmark

said about 9 years ago

Well they did make a valiant run with Xserve but I think commodity servers running Linux have taken that market from Apple. Whether that is good or bad is almost beside the point, it is just the reality.