x86Virtualization previously reported on the missing virtual machine, back in January. Almost a year later, Apple has finally loosened their strangle hold on the OSX licensing. The newest release of Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard has a slight change in the wording of the license agreement on the Server version ONLY. Previously it restricted running OS X to 1 instance on Apple hardware, the previous license reads:

This License allows you to install and use one copy of the Mac OS X Server software (the “Mac OS X Server Software”) on a single Apple-labeled computer at a time. (source)

The new improved version reads:

This License allows you to install and use one copy of the Mac OS X Server software (the “Mac OS X Server Software”) on a single Apple-labeled computer. You may also install and use other copies of Mac OS X Server Software on the same Apple-labeled computer, provided that you acquire an individual and valid license from Apple for each of these other copies of Mac OS X Server Software. (source)

Currently there is NO software which has proven to allow turn key virtualization of OS X. People have managed to get hacked version of OSX to run on x86 hardware, note the April 10th Post “Just a hint of what is to come”. Now with the change in licensing there will be intense development of the server virtualization environment.

Apple hardware has always commanded a slightly higher price on the market, which wasn’t as noticeable until they switch to the Intel chipset and people could really start to compare apples to apples. With their growing market share, ang the Intel switch they have become much more competitive in the home market. The server market, where open source Linux has been grabbing up market share pretty quickly.

Price Comparision for OS X Leopard Server compared to Linux and Windows 2003 Server:

Mac Leopard Server
10-client edition $499.00
Unlimited-client edition $999.00
(source)

Microsoft Server 2003 R2

Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition 5 CALs (User or Device) $999
Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition 10 CALs (User or Device) $1,199
Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition 25 CALs (User or Device) $3,999
(source)

Sources:

Apple allows virtualization of Mac OS X ‘Leopard Server’

Mac Rumors: Leopard to Include Virtualization Software?

TidBITS Networking: Apple to Allow Virtualization of Leopard

Leopard Virtualization: Maybe Not?, Gavin Shearer, gavinshearer.com - Geek punditry / Seattle stuff / Things I’m enthused about

Leopard Server Virtualization on the Way - OSNews.com

Macworld: First Look: 23 things we want in Leopard, Page 1

Simon Crosby, CTO, XenSource » Blog Archive » Leopard Can’t Change its Spots - a Theory on Integrated Virtualization

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