Say adios to Samba in OS X-CNET (blog)

When it comes to networking with Windows systems, since OS X 10.2 "Jaguar", Apple has relied on the open source "Samba" suite, which can be enabled in parts of OS X system preferences for both file sharing and interacting with directory services of NT domains. Although there are some proprietary Windows file-sharing solutions for OS X, is Apple's implementation of Samba welcome the package of open-source nature; However, sooner or later all things must come to an end.

The Samba team recently the licenses for the software for the GPLv3 license, which adds a number of restrictions for the software that Apple has decided will not work for it. Probably a function of the GPLv3 crackdown on "Tivoization," that's where a company contains of free software in commercial products but it be modified by the user are limited (or at least it implements in such a way that tampering would result in the product is not working properly).

Result of these new restrictions, Apple will not be including Samba in future versions of OS X, although Samba probably as an option to continue will download, compile, and install in OS X for those who wish to use it.

Despite the lack of Samba, Apple's systems will still continue to work with Windows networks right out of the box. According to Appleinsider, Apple is apparently to tackle the problem by building its own services for Windows-based networks, which will be included in the Server and Client versions of the OS X lion.

These users probably expect changes can be the end of support for NT domains in OS X, though even Microsoft has moved on from this technology in Windows 7. Besides, Apple delivered a solution can also mean more-compliant networking between Windows and OS X, since Apple will be able to better adjust its networking solutions in OS X.

Like Apple's strategy has been in the past, we expect Apple with a relatively boring and basic performance of its network solution, over time work in more features will start as they mature. There may be a few setbacks in the first instance, but on the whole, the similar functionality to what Samba can do at this time.

Only time will tell what the exact changes will be for the end user, and more details can occur if Lion matures, but be sure that it is highly unlikely that Apple will drop support for Windows networking altogether.

Please note, however, that together with Apple's use of Samba is influenced by the new licenses, there may be other software which ultimately also a similar fate could suffer. Apple currently contains a number of open source packages such as X 11 next to Samba, ruby, python, and several command-line tools that can all be upgraded to or license GLPv3 implement and also be affected.

Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or send an email!
Care to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.

Related Articles