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Migrating from macOS Server to VirtualHostX

Wednesday, October 03, 2018

Earlier this week, Apple released version 5.7.1 of macOS Server. While this was only a minor version number change, it comes with some major differences. Specifically, Apple is completely removing support for Calendar Server, Contacts Server, the Mail Server, DNS, DHCP, VPN Server, and Websites. From their press release:

Apple continues to develop and support macOS Server, which includes Open Directory, Profile Manager, and Xsan management. The most popular server features—Caching Server, File Sharing Server, and Time Machine Server—have been bundled with every installation of macOS High Sierra since its release in fall 2017, so that even more customers have access to these essential services at no extra cost.

Starting with macOS Server 5.7.1, Apple no longer bundles open source services such as Calendar Server, Contacts Server, the Mail Server, DNS, DHCP, VPN Server, and Websites with macOS Server. Customers can get these same services directly from open-source providers. This way, macOS Server customers can install the most secure and up-to-date services as soon as they’re available.

The biggest change, for many of you reading this post, is that Apple will no longer support hosting one or more websites with Apache. You'll need to find an alternate solution.

Fortunately, VirtualHostX has your back. The latest version 8.0 is fully compatible with macOS 10.14 Mojave all the way back to 10.10 Yosemite. With VirtualHostX you can host an unlimited number of websites on your Mac - whether you're just testing development sites locallly or serving production traffic from a data center.

Beginning today, I'm offering former macOS Server customers a 40% discount on a commercial license of VirtualHostX. That'll save you $40! Just forward me a copy of your Server.app receipt and I'll get back to you ASAP with a coupon code you can use to claim your discount. Lost your receipt? No problem. Get in touch anyway and we'll work something out :-)