Question : Integrating MAC OS server and Windows Active Directory

Hi,

we have been approached by a firm (a law firm - 60 users) that is currently running MAC infrastructure...client and server. Messaging system is Lotus Notes. They are finding more and more that the MAC OS is hindering their business processes through lack of compatability with other systems. For example, they are using an externallly hosted  sharepoint intranet system but the safari\firefox browser is not supported. They are open to the possibility of moving away from MAC but we would like to give them a few options whereby windows\MAC could co-exist and enable some re-use of their existing hardware and also minimizing disruption. Initial thoughts are setting up a windows active directory domain and installing some terminal servers (with Citrix Xenapp). The MAC desktops could then be kept and access to the windows environment granted using the Citrix online plugin. We are currently in the process of discovery as to exactly what MAC server hardware and OS they are running. Ideally, there would be a single directory services (AD) and from the windows terminal server sessions they could access file data on the MAC file servers. My knowledge of MAC is zero and hence this post. Would be very much interested in hearing from some 'experts' with knowledge of both operating systems...ideally with integration experience. Open to some external consulting if the firm chooses us as their provider to complete this project.

So, initial questions are:
How can MAC and windows co-exist?
Is it fairly straightforward to setup and administer?

thanks in advance
 

Answer : Integrating MAC OS server and Windows Active Directory

No need for OD to make the Macs work with AD, simply implement www.centrify.com. If you understand GPO management then this is the perfect solution for your Macs in a Windows AD infrastructure.

XenApp for presenting Windows based apps is a great solution.

Better yet, run VMWare fusion on all the Macs, install Windows. And away you go.

This may be you lowest cost solution for implementation.

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