Opinions needed to choose between a Mac OSX Server or Windows Server for business.

[bushako]

Hi,
We are planning on creating a mac environment within our new office and will be providing Mac books to our employees. Now with time we may need to place a server. Now i haven't got much knowledge about Mac based servers other than that they have unix running at the core and they use apple open directory similar to windows active directory. I would also like to be sure that the Mac server is compatible with Blackberry Enterprise Server as we are also planning on having an IT policy placed on the blackberry phones handed out to the employees. Another thing i would like to know is the compatibility between the mac server and windows clients.

Overall, i need an opinion whether it would be wiser to get a Mac Server or windows server in the long run or price-feature ratio. Any input on this is appreciated.

[bushako]

Also what do you think about the Apple Mac mini server?

[Magnus]

For BB Enterprise Server, just check out their site, and no it doesn't run on Mac OS X. I guess you could run Windows on the server in order to run Exchange/Domino and BB but that kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it.

[bushako]

For BB Enterprise Server, just check out their site, and no it doesn't run on Mac OS X. I guess you could run Windows on the server in order to run Exchange/Domino and BB but that kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it.

Well the thing is im planning on setting up a separate server computer for the BES which will be connected to the Mac server.

[fangpyre]

The good thing about the Mac OSX Server is that you don't have to worry about CALs and that most things you need come with it.
Both the Mac and PC will work well with any of the servers.

Keep in mind that the Mac has limited experience on the market.
So there will be limited support.
But it is easier to maintain.

The Mac Mini Server is a cheap solution for a small operation.
A concern you might have is that it doesn't have a CD/DVD drive.
Some people prefer the Mini with an added NAS.

But you haven't told us what you expect to do with the server?

[bushako]

The good thing about the Mac OSX Server is that you don't have to worry about CALs and that most things you need come with it.
Both the Mac and PC will work well with any of the servers.

Keep in mind that the Mac has limited experience on the market.
So there will be limited support.
But it is easier to maintain.

The Mac Mini Server is a cheap solution for a small operation.
A concern you might have is that it doesn't have a CD/DVD drive.
Some people prefer the Mini with an added NAS.

But you haven't told us what you expect to do with the server?

Well basically something like group policy, filesharing, exchange, web hosting and to get started with BES. Im not experienced much with servers but i have an idea and alot of time on my hand to learn . I read somewhere that the Mac server OS is easier to setup since alot of the features are preinstalled and can easily be operated by a power user such as myself.

[fangpyre]

That is true.
It is MUCH easier to use.

It will do all of you mentioned out of the box with no additional software, with the exception of BES.
I don't know how BES works, and the costs involved.

Just note that instead of Exchange, you will be running iCal Server, which does most of what a small business needs.

How many people will be connected?
Is there any media files that you will be working on?
These are the things you need to consider in regards to the Mini (either regular or the server).

[bushako]

That is true.
It is MUCH easier to use.

It will do all of you mentioned out of the box with no additional software, with the exception of BES.
I don't know how BES works, and the costs involved.

Just note that instead of Exchange, you will be running iCal Server, which does most of what a small business needs.

How many people will be connected?
Is there any media files that you will be working on?
These are the things you need to consider in regards to the Mini (either regular or the server).

Well its good to hear a confirmation. Im not familiar with iCal but i hope it works with outlook which would be running from the windows on from the bootcamp or virtual machine such as the one from Parallels.

Well for the first few months most likely 5-6 users will be connected with 2 of them who will be operating from abroad, so i dont think the load on the server will be a problem. There might be more users later on but that would be like 10-15 max as it is a small business.

As for the media files, not much really. Its mainly for Autocad drawings, spreadsheets, presentation and the usual but nothing that would require high bandwidth.

[fangpyre]

iCal should support Outlook, but to what level, I can't say.
But why do you want to run Outlook thru virtualization and then have it connect to iCal?

[bushako]

iCal should support Outlook, but to what level, I can't say.
But why do you want to run Outlook thru virtualization and then have it connect to iCal?

Just in case...i feel more comfortable using outlook..ive been using it for years I like to see all my contacts, calenders,note,appointments, rss and emails at one place.