Server Version Recommendation

[alembic]

I've got a main work machine MBP running 10.6.8, an MBA on 10.9.0 and an iPhone 5s with iOS 7.0.3.

I'm most interested in:

1) syncing contacts and calendar data
2) file sharing

I won't be using iCloud so I'm considering a used Mac Mini with Snow Leopard Server. Will it support the MBA and iPhone for my requirements? Or should I just use Mavericks Server which may have features unavailable in Snow Leopard Server, with the expectation that eventually I'll upgrade the MBP to Mavericks?

 

[alain651]

I have been using Server since SL, and I would recommend Maverick server, i have the same setup file sharing, calendar, contact..

What i did , i created a user name call "address_book" and i used this on as my shares address book for all users.

Each user can have their own Contact, calendar, plus Sharing....

Note, Using local.server will be working fine.
But if you need to access data outside your network, you will need to setup DNS with a Domain Name, plus VPN.

Hope this help!

 

[alembic]

Thanks Alain. I'm still unclear on a few things:

1) Why do you recommend Mavericks server over SL? Is there enhanced functionality that would better support my newer devices?

2) If I update a contact on the server, does this change get pushed out automatically to all devices? Conversely, if I update a contact via my MBP, does that change get pushed out to the MBA and iPhone?

3) When you say each user (device) can have its own contacts, calendar and file sharing, do you mean entries and files on top of what's common on the server? I assumed contacts, calendar and shared files would be the same on all devices and the server.

 

[alain651]

I am using a Mac Mini server 2009, which came with SL server (which need serial number), than I upgraded to every OS since.

YES, the SL server, would meet all your requirement, but I find the Mavericks or Lion Server OS are simpler to use and better for iOS. Also Apple provide you with "Apple Push notifications" for your mail, contact, calendar.

You will need to create Local Network Users account for each user... than you select which service this user can have access...

Example: John will have his own calendar, and on his account setting he can give delegation to other user for READ/WRITE.

Good reference:
http://help.apple.com/advancedserveradmin/mac/3.0

 

[alembic]

Alain, can you provide examples highlighting how Mavericks server better supports iOS devices?

Also, push notifications are not available in SL Server?

I was thinking of starting with SL server and and then upgrade to Mavericks if necessary. Thanks.

 

[alain651]

If you like me, and would like to learn all about server as a hobby, YES start with Snow Leopard server which have all the feature about DHCP, Firewall, etc..

You indicate that " your considering a used Mac Mini with Snow Leopard Server." if you can buy one as a good price, Go for it! I have 2 Mac mini server 2009, they're very good machine..

Note: You cannot run Snow Leopard Server on laptop, their are attach with a serial number to the machine.

As with Server App lets you turn any local system into a server.

My recommendation, download VMWare Fusion 6 (30 days trial) and run a virtual machine Lion, SL, or Maverick and install the Server Apps as local.server... SAVE A SNAPSHOT, then practice, is a good way to learn and make mistake, as you can restore to back to beginning.

Server APPS now have "Profile Manager" to manage iOS device, but for you needs I do not believe you need to use it, it only an option.
Refs:
http://help.apple.com/profilemanager/mac/3.0/
http://www.cultofmac.com/182143/apples-profile-manager-and-the-future-of-mac-management-feature/

I do not remember if Snow Leopard server will do PUSH Notifications, you will need to try it.

 

[alembic]

Alain, thanks for your recommendations.

I'll start with SL server. I wonder if I can use VirtualBox instead of VMWare Fusion? I also have an older version of Parallels I could use.

 

[alain651]

I never try virtual box.. but it should work the same as Fusion or Parallel..

Note: Snow Leopard Server will not run as a virtual machine, i try to installed it with the CD on my MacPro as a virtual machine before for testing it did not work. cannot be install.

So if you want to run a Server virtual machine, you can only run the Server Apps