Mac Mini Server
Can the Mac mini Server be virtualized? IF so, then which app(s)?
If the Mac mini Server cannot be virtualized, then would you consider it a disadvantage in either a competitive or technical sense?
thank you
If the Mac mini Server cannot be virtualized, then would you consider it a disadvantage in either a competitive or technical sense?
thank you
Comments
Can the Mac mini Server be virtualized? IF so, then which app(s)?
If the Mac mini Server cannot be virtualized, then would you consider it a disadvantage in either a competitive or technical sense?
I'm hardly a server expert, so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any point.
As "Mac Mini Server" refers to a piece of hardware, no, it cannot be virtualized. It is also my understanding that "OS X Server", Apple's server OS is not licensed for virtualization, although it has been done in the hackintosh community.
However, it is possible for the Mac Mini Server (or any Mac) to act as a host for virtual machines running non-OS X operating systems (Windows/Linux), including servers. These VMs can run literally any application unless there is a licensing or other technical requirement (special hardware) of that application.
This is neither a general advantage or disadvantage; it completely depends on your needs.
Virtualization of servers is useful in datacenters, where it allows hundreds of physical machines to run thousands of virtual ones, all overseen by the same admins who can handle the added complexity. This cuts down on hardware, power, and real estate costs, and allows the VMs to be moved to balance the load on the physical machines.
The Mac Mini Sever is intended for a small business or home use, where only one (or a few) servers are needed. Going virtual in these environments adds a lot of complexity and admin costs with very little benefit.
Mac Minis are also useful in datacenters like MacMiniColo, where each customer is responsible for administering their own servers. Having multilpe VMs on the same server with different customer admins is a recipe for disaster...
The Mini doesn't have any special hardware so you wouldn't virtualize the Mini per se, but you can certainly virtualize OS X Server. Apple adjusted its licensing a few years back to allow for it as well.