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Lion Server—the basics
According to Apple’s Website, Lion Server will offer the same simplified setup options found in Leopard and Snow Leopard. These features make it easy to create a small-office Mac/Windows network that includes centralized user accounts; file and printer sharing; automatic setup of basic Mac workstation options; an internal calendar and contacts server; automated network backup for Mac workstations; e-mail and instant messaging that can be internal-only or connected to the Internet; Web hosting; an internal or public wiki; and secure VPN access.
The process is almost idiot-proof. If you can select a few checkboxes to enable services, and you have a domain name, you can have them all up and running in a matter of minutes once installation is complete.
That same simplified setup also works well for classrooms or departments that are part of a larger network infrastructure. Apple makes it easy for a server to join an existing Active Directory domain or forest (or some other LDAP-based directory system). In this instance, all services are provided by the Mac server but rely on existing user accounts stored in the organization’s infrastructure.
Building that ease of use into Lion itself is going to be a huge boon to any small office or department that wants to run its own server without making demands on the main IT department. With no extra costs and the ability to set up core services on an existing Mac, small businesses, home offices and individual schools can all get their basic networking needs met virtually for free.