The Need
For more than ten years, a variety of businesses have relied on the Windows NT operating system (OS) for their desktop computing and on the Windows NT Server platform for mission-critical services. Often chosen as an affordable, out-of-the-box solution, NT has provided a convenient way for smaller companies as well as workgroups within larger corporations to network their computers, manage user preferences and email, and share tools and applications, such as accounting or calendar solutions.

Many of those companies for whom Windows NT has remained an adequate platform have chosen to continue using their NT systems rather than upgrade to a newer Microsoft OS, such as Windows 2003 Server. For some, this choice was based on their desire to stick with the familiar or their need to retain custom software built into their NT Servers. However, with increasing costs for licensing and upgrades, users have begun to weigh the benefits of staying with NT against security and functionality requirements that could be better met by a newer operating system.

The end of Windows NT support as of December 31st, 2004, as announced by Microsoft, has exacerbated the need for change, causing many NT users to look at Mac OS X Server as an attractive alternative.


Windows NT users now face the need to migrate sooner than they might have anticipated, or be left vulnerable to security failures. This press for change has created concern for some about the additional expense and inconvenience of leaving NT. Others recognise this as a unique opportunity to reassess their past technology choices in order to find a secure, reliable long term solution.

Windows NT users know that migration is inevitable; the only questions that remain for them to answer are: “What should we migrate to?” and “How can we migrate without impairing productivity or efficiency?” Apple has met both of these questions with one solid answer: Mac OS X Server, a reliable, compatible and affordable alternative to migrating to the latest Windows platform.

If you’re a Windows NT user, members of the Apple Solution Experts programme can assess your systems and map out the migration path for you. Members of the Apple Solution Experts programme are experts in a wide array of solutions, and they provide customised services that will enable your server administrator to transition quickly and easily, so your company stays on track and under budget.


Microsoft’s need to focus entirely on their newer operating systems means a time of reassessment for current Windows NT users. Those who value cost effectiveness and ease-of-use are looking to Apple for solutions, but making the decision of when and how to migrate can be difficult. That’s why businesses planning a migration call upon members of the Apple Solution Expert programme for help — for cost and needs assessment, implementation and ongoing support.

Businesses that haven’t used Apple’s products before, or companies with only a few Macs, are being attracted to what Apple has to offer — especially when compared to the alternatives.

Mac OS X Server is the best choice for migration from NT because:

Once you decide to migrate to Mac OS X Server, members of the Apple Solution Expert programme can help plan and implement your migration. And because you can hire a consultant on a per project basis, you’ll get expert assistance when you need it, while keeping your expenses down.


Step 1: Determine your requirements and budget
The first step in migrating to Mac OS X Server is to understand your setup and the way in which your current server is being used. Drill down to the most critical business functions by asking yourself, “If the server were gone tomorrow, what would I lose that I can’t do without?”

Then, create a wish list of additional functionality you’d like to have. This is a great opportunity to add improvements. You’re starting with a clean slate, so ask yourself, “What would I really like my server to do?”

Once you understand your current and future system requirements, you can identify the gaps in between. If your current infrastructure can accommodate the items on your wish list, your costs will be less. If, in addition to implementing a new Xserve and Mac OS X Server, you also need to upgrade other elements of your infrastructure, such as bandwidth, routers and switches, your expenses will be greater.

Based on all of this information, you can start to map out a solution, taking into consideration other important elements like scheduling and downtime. But with so many elements to consider, the real ROI can be found in hiring a member of the Apple Solution Experts programme to help with this process. The burden of planning and implementing your migration doesn’t need to weigh down you, your server administrator or your bottom line. An Apple Solution Experts programme member will bring skills and experience to assist in all phases of your migration to Mac OS X Server.

Step 2: Determine the elements of your migration
When migrating your server’s information to any new system, there are two main things to consider: the network infrastructure and the hardware architecture. The choices you make about these will depend on how many users you have and the degree to which your server functions are mission-critical.

Members of the Apple Solution Experts programme hold such Apple certifications as Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) and Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA) — both of which indicate a specialisation in Mac OS X Server administration and the ability to properly assess your technology needs

Step 3: Implement the migration
Once you’ve determined your needs, budget and solution elements, you and your Apple Solution Expert member will transfer the information from your Windows NT Server to your Mac OS X Server. This process should take place in an off-peak time for your business so that your productivity is unhindered by the change.

Tools such as Passenger by MacinMind and LSP by Das Technologies can help simplify the migration process by automating the transfer of users and data from your existing server to Mac OS X Server.

Innovative tools such as these, combined with the expertise of an Apple Solution Expert member, will result in a smooth, swift transition to Mac OS X Server.

Step 4: Obtain ongoing support and maintenance
The quality inherent in Apple products reflects the company’s commitment to high standards. These standards of excellence are carried over into every product, from hardware to operating system. The Apple Solution Experts programme strives to uphold these same high standards, ensuring that you get the best when you hire one of its members. And the relationship between your business and your Solution Expert doesn’t need to end when your migration is complete. Apple Solution Expert members will continue to provide maintenance, training and support as your company grows and your needs change.

With so many reasons to migrate to Mac OS X Server and so many experts available from the Apple Solution Experts programme to assist you, the choice is clear for Windows NT users.