Clients & Profits FAQs | Apple Xserve/OS X Server FAQs

Q. Can we use Clients & Profits with Mac OS X Server?

Yes, but only in a single-platform office.

Q. What are the known incompatibilities of OS X Server?

OS X Server is unable to host a database for both Macs (whether OS 9 or OS X) and Windows-based PCs simultaneously. Macs have traditionally used the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) for making TCP/IP connections to the database and PCs have used Samba (SMB). These two TCP/IP protocols will lock each other out of a C&P database residing on an OS X Server. A feature of OS X is the ability to connect to servers using either AFP or SMB, but their implementation of SMB will still lock out Windows-based SMB connections and even other OS X SMB connections. OS X Server is only a supported solution in the following situations:

All OS 9 workstations
All OS X workstations (using AFP)
Mixed OS 9/OS X office (with OS X connecting via AFP)
All Windows office

Q. When will OS X Server be an option for hosting our database in a cross-platform environment?

Clients & Profits has no control over this incompatibility. We're waiting on Apple to make the necessary revisions to OS X Server.

Q. How should I connect to the Xserve with an OS X workstation?

OS X workstations need to connect via AFP. Single SMB connections can be made, but once another computer tries to connect (whether AFP or SMB), they will not have access to the file.

Q. What are the advantages of using an Xserve?

The Xserve is a powerful rack-mountable server. In addition to providing fast access to a C&P database, it can also fulfill other roles in the office, including but not limited to FTP access, Mail server, QuickTime Streaming, web server, and VPN.