Hire macOS servers: The best providers compared

From data management and user accounts to security, an Apple server provides a comprehensive software architecture that meets the requirements of modern businesses. In addition, Mac servers offer many further advantages. Interested customers who wish to rent such a product should, however, ensure that their applications are compatible with Apple's software.

What an Apple server can do

A Mac server is based on Apple's macOS operating system and combines powerful performance with an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). Compared with other solutions such as a Linux server or a FreeBSD server, the macOS server has a distinct advantage. Its default GUI also enables newcomers to get to grips with it quickly.

In addition, the Apple server offers many other features that set it apart from other products:

• VPN server: A Mac server can be used to set up VPN solutions to provide secure remote access to corporate networks, for example.
• File sharing: The macOS server allows configuration of access to files and documents. This uses AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) and the SMB protocol.
• Backup solutions: Mac servers can also be used to back up other Macs.
• Mobile Device Management (MDM): macOS servers offer comprehensive MDM capabilities for managing Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads and Macs in organisations. This includes configuring device profiles, remote wiping of data and monitoring device activity.
• Calendar and contact servers: The Apple server provides functions that enable synchronization of calendars and contacts between Macs and other iOS devices.
• E-mail: With a macOS server, mailboxes can be created and e-mail addresses managed.
• Network services: The Apple server supports DHCP, DNS and other services for managing IP addresses and name resolution.

Compared with other solutions on the market, the Mac server offers a similar range of functions. However, for customers who already use Apple technology in their business, there are several reasons to rent a server based on macOS.

The following advantages and features particularly highlight the Apple server compared with the competition:

• Easy integration: A macOS Server can be seamlessly integrated into existing Mac and Apple device environments. This enables shared use of hardware resources and optimises collaboration between applications.
• Versatility: A Mac server offers a wide range of services and functions, making it versatile and suitable for almost every business task.
• Support and updates: Apple provides regular updates and support for macOS Server to ensure the software environment is kept up to date and provides the necessary security.
• Collaboration tools: With a Mac server, different users of Apple devices can collaborate seamlessly, synchronise calendars, share files or contacts.

Anyone who wants to rent an Apple server accepts a significant disadvantage compared with other servers, which are mainly run on a Linux or Windows basis. Apple applications are generally very specific and not compatible with other platforms. Conversely, applications for Linux or Windows are rarely available in a version for macOS. Therefore, anyone who decides to rent a Mac server will typically need to implement their entire IT infrastructure using Apple products.

Info: On 21 April 2022 Apple discontinued macOS Server. Existing macOS Server customers can still download and use the app with macOS Monterey. The most popular server functions – caching server, file sharing server and Time Machine server – were provided as a package for all installations of macOS High Sierra and later, so that more customers have access to these important services at no additional cost.

How can you rent an Apple server?

Most web hosting providers offer servers based on Windows or Linux. Those wishing to rent a Mac server will have to search a little more carefully.

This distribution is mainly due to the fact that web hosts offering macOS Server bind themselves relatively closely to Apple. The American IT giant keeps its applications in a closed ecosystem. That means they are not compatible with products and services from other manufacturers. For a web hosting provider this results in less flexibility in the choice of IT applications.

This often leads providers to specialise in Mac servers. This not only saves them the costs of additional software purchases, but also secures expertise in the area of Apple services.

At the same time, customers who rent an Apple server receive a powerful and beginner-friendly web server that can also be easily integrated into macOS or iOS environments compared with alternative products.

The best Mac server providers compared

Here we present the best Apple Mac server providers:

Mac servers at SIM-Networks

Netversor GmbH from Karlsruhe in Baden-Württemberg offers, under the brand SIM-Networks, a diverse hosting portfolio for private customers as well as businesses of all sizes. The range extends from affordable webspace packages through high-performance dedicated servers to complex enterprise cloud solutions. In addition, Mac Mini and Mac Pro servers are offered specifically.

All Mac server offers at: https://www.sim-networks.com/de/server/mac-os

Mac servers at LANSOL

The data centre of LANSOL GmbH is located in Limburgerhof, near Ludwigshafen. LANSOL provides hosting and outsourcing services here for businesses of all sizes. Through cloud and server solutions, companies can manage their internal data remotely via IT outsourcing with the highest data protection and secure operation. Services are provided for all operating systems, including specialised Mac server solutions. SIM-Networks' infrastructure is located in certified data centres in Germany and the Netherlands.

All Mac server offers at: https://www.lansol.de/mac-server-hosting/

Mac server at snafu Gesellschaft für interaktive Netzwerke mbH

The snafu Gesellschaft für interaktive Netzwerke mbH, based in Berlin, has been active on the hosting market for over 20 years. The company offers a comprehensive product range of hosting products, from virtual servers to Wawi/ERP, CRM and shop servers, through to classic web hosting. Specialised Mac servers are also offered.

All Mac server offers at: https://www.snafu.de/produkte-und-angebote/mac-server-hosting/

Mac server at Speedloc Datacenter

Speedloc Datacenter is a provider of data centre services offering a range of hosting and IT infrastructure solutions. The company provides colocation services, dedicated servers, cloud hosting and other specialised IT services tailored to the needs of businesses that require a stable and secure IT environment. The Speedloc data centre, at the border triangle with Poland and the Czech Republic, is regarded as the easternmost data centre in Germany.

All Mac server offers at: https://www.speedloc.de/produkt/mac

What alternatives are there to the macOS Server?

For customers looking to rent a server, it is worthwhile not only to compare macOS providers but also the different systems available as alternatives.

A Linux server with an Apache HTTP web server is still the leading solution for web applications worldwide. The Apache web server is free and open source. It can be installed on most software environments, including macOS. A wide range of applications such as CMSs, scripting languages or database systems are compatible with Apache. A disadvantage for inexperienced users, however, is that Linux servers are typically managed via the command line. However, server control panels such as Plesk or cPanel compensate for this limitation compared with an Apple server. Moreover, this solution is very versatile and a good option for most projects.

If you do not want to implement your projects on Apple products but still want a professional development team supporting your software solutions, you can rent a Windows Server with a Microsoft IIS web server. Because Microsoft's operating system is more widely used than Apple's, compatibility issues are far less common on a Windows Server. This makes internal software adjustments or synchronisations with external systems from customers or suppliers easier to carry out.

Our article is based on our own experience and research as well as information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://support.apple.com/de-de/HT208312 (Official information on macOS from Apple)