Apple server and Autocad

[Anonymous]

Ok, I know there are a number of discussions about running Autocad on a Mac.  We aren't replacing our PC's with Apples.  We need to replace our windows server.  It died this morning.  The owner wants to get a Mac server.  (I know nothing about servers.)  As the closest thing to a Autocad expert in the building, he asked me if this will be ok (and I don't think I'm an expert).  So the question is, "With Autocad (LT 2009) installed on our local machines, will there it be compatible with the Mac server?"

Thanks

Cary

[Anonymous]

Aree you using the server just to store files or to run anything such as a license server? If it's just a file depository, sure you can waste money and use an Apple as a server.If you use it to serve as anything more than that you'll have to verify the individual programs for availability and functionality on the new server.

[Anonymous]

File storage for the most part.  All our software is on our local machines.

[Anonymous]

File storage can be done by anything, even with, say, Pentium IV on board. So when the server is totally dedicated to filestorage, try to convince your boss to buy a windows server again. I'm a huge fan of Apple, but this doesn't seem to be the right choice for the job..

Apple servers are expensive and, more importantly, are eol. Apple now advertises a mac pro or mac mini (server configuration) as server. Surely they'll support you for a couple of years when you bought an Apple Xserve, but I think there are better options than buying EOL products.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

If all you expect the server to do is to be a file repository, Just get an NAS unit (network addressable storage- a hard drive or raid array that is plugged right into a network port.)

[Anonymous]

Too late to change his mind, he got a MacPro.  Thanks for all the comments