Rent MacOS Server: The best providers compared

Author: Marco Marco   | 28 May 2024

mac-server-rental-provider-comparisonThe increasing digitalisation and networking in both private and business sectors are making reliable server solutions increasingly important. Due to their performance and user-friendliness, Mac servers hold a special position. Especially for companies and organisations that have chosen Apple technologies for their IT infrastructure implementation, Mac servers offer versatile solutions. Here we present the best providers.

From data management to user accounts to security, an Apple Server offers a comprehensive software architecture that meets the needs of modern businesses. In addition, Mac servers offer many other advantages. Interested customers looking to rent such a product should ensure that their applications are compatible with Apple 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 to other solutions such as a Linux server or a FreeBSD server, the MacOS Server has a clear advantage. Its standard GUI also allows beginners to quickly find their way around.

In addition, the Apple Server has many other features that set it apart from other products:

  • VPN Server: With a Mac Server, VPN solutions can be set up to ensure secure remote access, for example, to corporate networks.
  • File Sharing: The MacOS Server offers the ability to configure access to files and documents. This involves using the AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) and the SMB protocol.
  • Backup Solutions: Mac Servers can also be used to backup other Macs.
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM): MacOS Servers provide comprehensive MDM functions for managing Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs in businesses. This includes configuring device profiles, remote data wiping, and monitoring device activities.
  • Calendar and Contact Server: The Apple Server offers features that enable the synchronization of calendars and contacts between Macs and other iOS devices.
  • Email: With a MacOS Server, you can create email mailboxes and manage email addresses.
  • Network Services: The Apple Server supports DHCP, DNS, and other services for managing IP addresses and name resolution.

Compared to other solutions on the market, the Mac Server offers a similar range of features. However, for customers already using Apple technology in their businesses, there are compelling reasons to consider renting a server based on MacOS.

The following advantages and features highlight the Apple Server compared to the competition:

  • Easy Integration: A MacOS Server can be seamlessly integrated into existing Mac and Apple device environments. This allows for the sharing of hardware resources and optimises application collaboration.
  • Versatility: A Mac Server offers a wide range of services and functions, making it versatile and well-equipped for almost all tasks in businesses.
  • Support and Updates: Apple provides regular updates and support for the MacOS Server to ensure that the software environment is up to date and provides the necessary security.
  • Collaboration Tools: With a Mac Server, different users of Apple devices can collaborate seamlessly, synchronise their calendars, access files together, or share contacts.

If you want to rent an Apple server, you accept a significant disadvantage compared to other servers, which are mainly operated on a Linux or Windows basis. Apple applications are usually very specific and not compatible with other platforms. On the other hand, applications for Linux or Windows are also rarely available in a version for MacOS. So, if you decide to rent a Mac server, you will also have to implement your entire IT infrastructure with Apple products.

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

 

How to rent an Apple server?

Most web hosting providers offer servers based on Windows or Linux. If you want to rent a Mac server, you will need to search more specifically.

This distribution is mainly due to the fact that web hosts offering MacOS servers are closely tied to Apple. The American IT giant keeps its applications in a closed ecosystem. This means that they are not compatible with products and services from other manufacturers. For a web hosting provider, this means less flexibility in choosing its IT applications.

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

At the same time, customers who rent an Apple server get a powerful and user-friendly web server that can be easily integrated into MacOS or iOS environments compared to alternative products.

 

The best Mac server providers compared

Here we introduce the best Apple Mac server providers:

 

GPU Server Providers Compared

  Available Mac Servers Contract Duration View Offers
SIM-Networks

Mac Mini i5
Mac Mini M2
Mac Pro

1, 3, 6 & 12 Months here
LANSOL Mac Mini M1 1 & 12 Months here
snafu

Mac Mini i5
Mac Mini M1
Mac Mini M2

1 Month here
Speedloc Mac Mini i5 12 Months here

 

Mac Servers at SIM-Networks

The Netversor GmbH from Karlsruhe in Baden-Württemberg offers a diverse hosting range under the brand SIM-Networks for private customers and businesses of all sizes. The range includes affordable webspace packages, high-performance dedicated servers, and complex enterprise cloud solutions. Additionally, they offer specific Mac Mini and Mac Pro servers.

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 for businesses of all sizes. Through cloud and server solutions, companies can remotely control their internal data with the highest level of data protection and secure functionality via IT outsourcing. They offer services for all operating systems, including special Mac server solutions. The infrastructure of SIM-Networks 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 in the hosting market for over 20 years. The company offers a comprehensive range of hosting products from Virtual Private Servers to Wawi/ERP, CRM, and shop servers, as well as traditional web hosting. Additionally, they also offer special Mac Servers.

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 various 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 Datacenter located in the tri-border area with Poland and the Czech Republic is considered the easternmost data centre in Germany.

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

 

What are the alternatives to MacOS Server?

For customers looking to rent a server, it is worth comparing not only MacOS providers but also the different systems available as alternatives.

A Linux Server with Apache HTTP Webserver remains the leading solution for web applications worldwide. The Apache Webserver is free and open-source. It can be installed on most software environments, including MacOS. A variety of applications such as CMS, scripting languages, or database systems are compatible with Apache. However, a disadvantage for inexperienced users is that Linux servers can only be operated via command-line by default. Nevertheless, Server Control Panels like Plesk or cPanel can compensate for this disadvantage compared to an Apple Server. Moreover, this solution is very versatile and a good alternative for most projects.

 

Rent Linux VPS Hosting

Secure your Linux VPS hosting as an alternative to MacOS now

Go to Linux VPS Hosting Comparison

 

If you want to realise your projects not based on Apple products but still want a professional development team behind your software solutions, you can rent a Windows Server with Microsoft IIS Webserver. Since Microsoft's operating system is more commonly used compared to Apple, compatibility issues with a Windows Server are much less frequent. This makes internal software adjustments or synchronisations with external systems of customers or suppliers easier to implement.

 

Rent Windows Server

Secure your Windows Server as an alternative to MacOS now

Go to Windows Server Comparison

 

Our article is based on our own experiences 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)

Image credit:
ananitit from Pixabay

 

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