Apple has officially discontinued macOS Server as of April 21, 2022. For users who are currently using Mac Os Server, the application remains downloadable and functional on macOS Monterey. However, it’s crucial to understand the service changes and plan for potential migrations, especially concerning Profile Manager, which will stop creating or renewing push notification certificates for device management from October 29, 2024. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the services available in different versions of mac os server, services that have been migrated to macOS, and the status of each service with suitable alternatives.
Services Included in macOS Server
To clarify the services available to users, it’s important to differentiate between versions of mac os server.
Services in macOS Server 5.12 and Later
For users operating on macOS Server 5.12 and subsequent versions, the following key services remain:
- Profile Manager: This service is crucial for device management.
- Open Directory: Apple’s directory service.
Services in macOS Server 5.7.1 through 5.11.1
Users on older versions of mac os server, specifically versions 5.7.1 to 5.11.1, had access to a broader range of services:
- Profile Manager
- Open Directory
- Xsan: Apple’s high-performance SAN file system.
Services Migrated from macOS Server to macOS
Recognizing the evolving needs of users, Apple has transitioned some functionalities directly into the macOS operating system.
Migrated Services in macOS Big Sur and Later
For users of macOS Big Sur and later, command-line tools for Xsan management are now integrated directly into the OS. This ensures continued management capabilities for Xsan users even without mac os server. Learn more about utilizing these tools.
Migrated Services in macOS High Sierra and Later
Several fundamental services have been incorporated into macOS High Sierra and later, accessible through System Preferences under the Sharing menu. These include:
- File Server: For sharing files across a network.
- Caching Server: To speed up software downloads and iCloud content caching.
- Time Machine Server: To facilitate network backups using Time Machine.
macOS Server Service Status and Alternatives
With the discontinuation of many mac os server services, understanding the current status and available alternatives is vital for continued operation and system management. The table below outlines the status of each service and suggests alternatives for those that have been removed or had their UI tools removed from mac os server.
| Service | Status | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Manager | Available in Server 5.12.2 | Learn about choosing an MDM solution |
| Xsan | Removed in Server 5.12 | Quantum, command-line tools built into macOS |
| FTP | Removed in Server 5.4 | SFTP/SSH |
| Server Docs | Removed in Server 5.4 | iCloud Documents, Apache/WebDAV |
| DHCP | UI tools removed in Server 5.7.1 | bootpd, built into macOS |
| DNS | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | BIND, Unbound, KnotDNS |
| VPN | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | OpenVPN, SoftEther VPN, WireGuard |
| Firewall | UI tools removed in Server 5.7.1 | pf firewall (built into macOS) |
| Mail Server | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | dovecot/Postfix Courier, KerioConnect |
| Calendar | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | CalendarServer, DavMail, Radicale, Kerio Connect |
| Wiki | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | MediaWiki, PmWiki, XWiki, Confluence, WordPress WMX files |
| Websites | UI tools removed in Server 5.7.1 | Apache HTTP Server (built into macOS), Nginx, Lighttpd |
| Contacts | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | CalendarServer, DavMail, Kerio Connect |
| NetBoot/NetInstall | UI tools removed in Server 5.7.1 | BOOTP, TFTP, HTTP, NFS (all built into macOS), NetSUS, BSDPy |
| Messages | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | ejabberd, Openfire, Prosody |
| Radius | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | FreeRadius |
| AirPort Management | Removed in Server 5.7.1 | AirPort Utility |
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This information is intended to guide mac os server users through the transition and ensure they have the necessary information to manage their services effectively moving forward.
