Top macOS Server Alternatives for Your Business
Apple's macOS Server, once a powerful tool for businesses and home offices, provided an easy-to-install and manage solution for network services. However, with Apple gradually deprecating its functionalities and eventually discontinuing it, many users are now seeking robust and reliable macOS Server alternative solutions. This article explores some of the best operating systems and server platforms that can fulfill the roles macOS Server once played, offering enhanced flexibility, open-source options, and comprehensive features.
Top macOS Server Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a free, open-source solution or a commercial-grade platform, these alternatives offer diverse functionalities to manage your network, host services, and ensure seamless operations, often surpassing the capabilities of the former macOS Server.
CentOS
CentOS is a community-supported, free, and open-source operating system based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. As a Linux-based platform, it offers a stable and secure environment, making it an excellent macOS Server alternative for those seeking robust server capabilities with extensive community support and shell integration.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercial, open-source Linux distribution developed by Red Hat, specifically targeted toward the enterprise market. For businesses that require a highly stable, secure, and supported Linux-based operating system, RHEL serves as a powerful and reliable macOS Server alternative, offering comprehensive features and professional support.
Gentoo
Gentoo Linux is a free, open-source, and highly customizable Linux and FreeBSD distribution. Geared towards developers and network professionals, its rolling release model and extreme configurability make it a flexible macOS Server alternative for users who need fine-grained control over their server environment and operating system.
Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server is a leading free and open-source Linux platform designed for scale-out computing, ideal for deploying cloud infrastructure like OpenStack or Hadoop clusters. Its robust Linux foundation and ARM support make it an excellent and widely adopted macOS Server alternative for various server applications.
NethServer
NethServer is a free, open-source, and self-hosted operating system for Linux enthusiasts, specifically designed for small offices and medium enterprises. Based on CentOS, it functions as a comprehensive macOS Server alternative, offering features like a gateway, email server, VPN, web filter, and web server, providing an all-in-one solution for network services.
CoreOS
CoreOS is a free Linux distribution rearchitected to provide features needed to run modern infrastructure stacks, focusing on container deployment. For users interested in cloud-native applications and microservices, CoreOS offers a specialized Linux-based operating system that can serve as a modern and efficient macOS Server alternative.
Zentyal
Zentyal is a free and open-source Linux-based solution providing a native Microsoft Active Directory® implementation. It integrates essential network services like file sharing, gateway, and email server, making it a compelling macOS Server alternative for small and medium businesses seeking an all-encompassing network infrastructure solution.
ClearOS
ClearOS is a free and open-source family of Linux-based operating systems for enterprise, small business, and home use. It functions as a versatile macOS Server alternative, offering features such as an email server, database, gateway, and web server, all managed through a user-friendly web interface.
Univention Corporate Server
Univention Corporate Server (UCS) is a free and open-source platform designed to efficiently operate and manage server applications and complete IT infrastructures for Linux, MS Windows, and Mac OS X. With features like Active Directory integration, DHCP, DNS, and server management, UCS is a comprehensive and highly compatible macOS Server alternative, especially for mixed IT environments.
SUSE Linux Enterprise
SUSE Linux Enterprise is a free and open-source Linux distribution known for its enterprise-grade stability and interoperability. As a robust and Unix-like operating system, it provides a powerful and reliable macOS Server alternative for mission-critical computing and diverse server workloads.
The discontinuation of macOS Server leaves a gap for many users, but the market is rich with powerful, flexible, and often open-source alternatives. From enterprise-grade solutions like Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE to community-driven projects like CentOS and Ubuntu Server, there's a perfect fit for almost any need. Explore these options to find the best server operating system that aligns with your specific requirements for functionality, support, and budget.