Laggard Apple lets Leopard virtualize
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Apple has tweaked its Mac OS X Server software license for Leopard, allowing the operating system to run legally in a virtual environment for the first time.
The change could be a telling relinquishment of control in Apple's traditional manic dominion of all its gear. Or it's a sign of the Apocalypse. Tough call. We'll know once the dead start rising from their graves.
While the change only extends to Leopard Server (ie: not the client version on regular Macs) running on Apple-labeled computers, its an unusual change in their policy on virtualization.
Apple's previous software license agreement barred running multiple instances of OS X Server on Apple boxen. This prevented companies such as Parallels (SWsoft) and VMware from including it as an OS that could be virtualized with their software.
But on Leopard's release, those who read the EULA, say Apple's small heart grew three sizes:
"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."
And now:
"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."
The folks at Parallels say they've already begun the process of including OSX Server into their software roadmap. From Parallels PR chief Benjamin Rudolph's blog:
"When will you see it? In the next several months. Enabling Leopard Server to run in a virtual machine may take some time, but we're working hard on it with Apple and will make it public as quickly as possible."
Apple, of course, hasn't returned our calls as of publication. Call off the Apocalypse warning. ®
COMMENTS
Virtualization
So much for Steve's comment that OS X would never be virtualized. Think Bill's sweating yet? Think he even knows how? Wonder how many chairs Ballmer broke over that news... Bet the idea of OS X on PCs gives him nightmares... then no one would want to buy his 21st century version of Windows Me...
No one deadpans like Abdul...uh, that was a deadpan, wasn't it? Wasn't it?
The intent
Given that Apple already talks up Parallels, the intention is clearly for Xserves to be the virtualisation platform du jour, whether you want to run Mac OS X Server, Windows, Linux, or something else. It wouldn't sell too well as a value proposition if you can't virtualise Mac OS X on your Xserve.
There's clearly demand, and all Apple has to do is tweak the license to allow it: it's a no-brainer from their perspective, and doesn't impact on their bottom line in any negative way.
Your 'business opportunity' will go bust in no time.
If you own a iPod you received 2 Apple stickers. Need I say more.
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