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Apple has released the latest version of AppleShare IP, version 6.2. The new version includes new features and optimization for MacOS 8.6. According to Apple:
Apple Computer, Inc. today released AppleShare IP 6.2, the latest version of the Company's integrated file, print, web and mail server software suite. Optimized for Apple's just released Mac OS 8.6 operating system upgrade, AppleShare IP 6.2 allows users to transfer files twice as fast as Windows NT*; introduces central management of user information through a new Shared Users & Groups feature; and extends support for Sherlock, Apple's groundbreaking search technology. In AppleShare IP 6.2, enhanced Sherlock capabilities allow indexing and "search by content" of shared folders and web sites hosted on AppleShare servers.
Key features of AppleShare IP 6.2 include:
- Indexing and "search by content" of PDF and HTML files located on shared volumes or folders via Sherlock and on web sites through the Sherlock web server plug-in;
- Shared Users & Groups, allowing central management of user information for up to 11 AppleShare servers;
- "Anti-spam" capabilities to reduce receipt of unsolicited bulk e-mail to users;
- Remote server administration from any web browser;
- Secured print queues for use by specific users or groups;
- Downloading of mail from POP accounts and redistribution to local mail users;
- Support for IMAP, SMTP, POP and APOP e-mail protocols;
- Remote administration of a message database from any IMAP client;
- Native support for Windows clients through the SMB file-sharing protocol;
- Automatic creation of personal storage folder for users;
- Web site multi-hosting, supporting up to 50 web sites from a single server; and
- Built-in firewall security.
System Requirements
AppleShare IP 6.2 requires an Apple Power Macintosh, Macintosh Server or iMac with a PowerPC G3, 604e, 604 or 601 processor; Mac OS 8.6; a minimum of 64MB of RAM; and a minimum of 250MB of available hard disk space.
Pricing & Availability
AppleShare IP 6.2 is available now online from The Apple Store and authorized Apple resellers. Estimated retail pricing is U.S. $499 for a 10-client license, $999 for a 50-client license, and $1499 for a license that covers large client networks, supporting up to 500 simultaneous users. AppleShare IP 6.2 is also pre-installed on some models of the Macintosh Server G3.
AppleShare 4.x, 5.x or 6.x customers (with 10-, 50- or multi-client license) may purchase AppleShare IP 6.2 upgrade software for U.S. $499 through the Apple Order Center at (800) 293-6617. Customers who purchased AppleShare IP 6.1 or a Macintosh Server G3 with AppleShare IP 6.1 between April 19 and June 19, 1999, can qualify to receive the AppleShare IP 6.2 Upgrade for U.S $19.95 plus tax. Details are available at www.apple.com/appleshareip.
*Apple internal tests. Performance comparison based on data transfer rate between an AppleShare server and Macintosh client and the data transfer rate between a Windows NT server and Macintosh client for the transfer of a single large file. The servers and clients were configured equivalently.
The Mac Observer Spin: Please note those testing conditions on AppleShare IP as compared to Windows NT in the small print at the bottom. Just as with Apple's not telling the entire truth when comparing the G3 to a Pentium II or III *, the claim that AppleShare IP is twice as fast as Windows NT for transferring files does not tell the entire story. Their claim is true for Mac server to Mac client, but only when transferring large files. Small files do not transfer anywhere near as fast, though AppleShare IP 6.X does hold its own to be sure. Windows NT to Windows NT file transfers are also very, very fast. Once again, AppleShare IP holds its own in this scenario, it is just not "twice as fast."
Why should we complain about this? After all, doesn't the Dark Side do it all the time? Certainly Windows users and Windows companies mislead their customers all the time, especially with such nonsense that Windows is "almost as easy to use as a Mac." Two wrongs don't make a right and using misleading test results lowers Apple's credibility. To much of the public, that will never be an issue. They will believe Apple's propaganda just as they will Microsoft's. Apple should stand tall and not use these tactics.
Mind you, AppleShare IP is a great product, far better than equivalent Windows products. It is powerful, relatively inexpensive, and easy to set up and administer. Our criticism on this one aspect of Apple's press release should not be taken to mean that we think poorly of AppleShare IP itself. The new features in particular look fantastic.
*The G3 itself kicks a Pentium's butt, but for many many reasons, the MacOS actually makes a Mac slower than an equivalent Pentium II or III Windows machine. There are some areas where the raw power of the G3 is not held back by the MacOS, but many daily Mac activities are held back.
Apple
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