Apple’s announcement to discontinue Xserve has been met with mixed reactions by IT professional and small businesses. The multi-media giants this week revealed they will no longer continue to manufacture the rack-mounted servers for the Mac OS X server after 31 January 2011 though has stated they will continue to offer support services.
Whilst some Mac users didn’t think the Xserver was that great a product in the first place and are relieved Apple have decided to dispense with future developments, the decision has left others wondering where they go next when they are in need of an upgrade.
Though the multi-million pound American super-corporation understands they will be leaving many less privileged small businesses in limbo – particularly considering the snarling teeth of the recent recession is proving difficult to shake off – loyal customers must be scratching their heads in bewilderment. In an attempt to ease concerns Apple’s transition guide reads: “Customers can rest assured that Intel-based Xserve systems will continue to provide useful service during and after this transition.”
Yet ultimately, X Serve users will be left with the current package indefinitely and with no hope of upgrades fall behind in the fast-evolving world of computer technology. Alternatively they have the option to switch to other Mac-based servers, Mac Pro with Snow Leopard or the Mac mini with Snow Leopard. Though both systems are available for upgrade or replacement are they really what customers want – or need.
Despite being Apple’s most popular server since its introduction in Autumn 2009, the Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server is proven to significantly underperform in comparison to the superior Xserve. And with a price tag starting at £879 Mac users are likely to seriously question whether a downgrading of servers is worth the investment purely for the sake of future developments.
Mac Pro with Snow Leopard Server on the other hand matches or out performs the Xserve, but with a retail price of £2,399 is pricing many customers out of the market. Even the less expensive Mac Pro Quad-Core at £1,999 is stretching the purse strings to breaking point.
So have the Americans really left their customers in the lurch or do they have plans for a bigger, better and more cost effective Mac OS server in 2011? Either way Apple should expect many X Serve owners to feel aggrieved.
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