Apple has removed many features from the current macOS server version 5.7.1 as announced. We present you an alternative, which not only replaces the lost functions but brings even more functions.
Calendar and contacts server for macOS
Calendar Server, Contacts Server, Mail Server, DNS, DHCP and VPN Server are no longer included in macOS Server. These are exactly the services that a small to medium-sized company likes to use. Apple lists a number of alternatives, but they are either not comprehensive enough, so you have to maintain several different software solutions, or you can’t do without the command line. What’s missing is a uniform user interface that can be used to conveniently execute the entire configuration – just like servers used to.
Install Nextcloud, Mattermost or OpenProject on your Mac
That’s exactly what we found: the solution is called Univention Corporate Server. The software from Bremen is based on Linux and can be run on the Mac quite simply via VirtualBox in a virtual machine, the installation is as simple as installing a program (for the extensive configuration you have to work your way through the very good documentation). All services that Apple deleted are now available again. But not only that: other software packages can be installed with just one mouse click, for example Nextcloud, Mattermost etc. All these packages come preconfigured and you don’t always have to go through an installation documentation.
But it gets even better: All users that you have created in the LDAP administration can be transferred to the new software package. So you can install OpenProjekt for your company with 500 people without having to create new users again. This is extremely practical and could not even macOS server. In addition, you are not only committed to open source software: for example, you can also exchange data with Office 365. It can even be handled via Asterisk4UCS Voice over IP telephony.
On macOS: LDAP, Voice-over-IP and mail server for many users
In short: the Univention Corporate Server is very easy to install and very extensive. For demanding private users, small and medium enterprises or schools and educational institutions it is a great offer, which can also be used with the normal free license (without support). So if you’ve been annoyed about the streamlining of macOS Server, you’ll get something even better here.
