Apple to launch Mac OS for servers
SAN FRANCISCO - March 15 (Reuters) Apple Computer Inc. is
expected on Tuesday to introduce a version of its Macintosh
operating system for computer servers and possibly details on
the next version of the operating system for its popular
personal computers.
The major upgrade of the software, its biggest overhaul in
many years, will combine features from the current Mac OS and
Next Computer Inc's Rhapsody operating system.
Apple acquired Next in late 1996, as it was developing
Rhapsody.
The server version of the Mac OS, which is software to run
Macintosh-based networks, was expected to be available sometime
before the big upgrade of the Mac OS later this year.
"It's going to take a while for it to build (a customer
base)," said Lou Mazzucchelli, an analyst at Gerard Klauer
Mattison & Co., but he added that the server version of the new
operating system has some key features, such as the ability to
stream video across networks.
A spokeswoman for Apple Computer in Cupertino, Calif. would
only say that Apple plans a significant software and strategy
announcement on Tuesday. Apple interim chief executive Steve
Jobs will be making the announcements.
Apple faces some tough competition in the server area, with
the Linux free operating system gaining more support from major
computer makers and increasingly widespread use among Internet
service providers and Web site applications.
But Mazzucchelli pointed out that he expects Apple to offer
a better pricing model than Microsoft Corp.'s Windows NT
operating system.
"It will be licensed on a per server basis and it will be
more palatable than Windows NT licensing," Mazzucchelli said,
adding that Microsoft licenses Windows NT on a per user basis.
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