What is the new Caching Service and how is it used?

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Level 1

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What is the new Caching Service and how is it used?

OS X server 2.2 presents the new Caching Service. It looks like a way to cache apps, software updates and other Internet requests.

However, no information on how to use / configure it. The help files don't exist on it yet.

Since I have multiple Macs and iOS devices at home, I'd sure be happy to be able to cache apps and updates efficiently, ... if this is what it does!

Does anybody know what this tool really does? Please explain technically.
If it does allow to cache iOS apps, how is it configured on my network so that my iOS devices can "see" this caching? Must a proxy be configured?
How is this different than the "Software Update" service?

Many thanks!

Mac mini, OS X Server

Posted on Dec 9, 2012 5:30 AM

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Answer 1

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pterobyte

Level 6

11,098 points

Dec 10, 2012 8:19 AM in response to °Bernz°

Here is a good overview:

http://nbalonso.com/os-x-server-caching/

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Answer 2

°Bernz° Author

Level 1

84 points

Dec 10, 2012 9:23 AM in response to pterobyte

This is really a great overview; thanks!

If only it could work with iOS too...

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Answer 3

Dec 11, 2012 9:52 AM in response to °Bernz°

I agree - please file an enhancement request at bugreport.apple.com!

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Answer 4

°Bernz° Author

Level 1

84 points

Dec 11, 2012 11:49 AM in response to arekdreyer

I'm unfortunately unable to submit bugs. So if someone else want to do it, please be my guest!

(It's more a feature enhancement than a bug, though...)

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Answer 5

Dec 12, 2012 11:33 AM in response to °Bernz°

New Technote:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5590?viewlocale=en_US

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Answer 6

Cbjake

Level 1

10 points

Sep 19, 2013 9:26 PM in response to °Bernz°

"bernz" it should be working with ios apps and 7. Apple needs to stop promising the world and make it so we can disable ios update if the device is supervised..

http://www.apple.com/ios/business/

Caching Server 2 supports iOS 7.

By caching purchased content and software updates on a local Mac running OS X Mavericks Server, Caching Server 2 speeds up the download and delivery of content through the App Store, Mac App Store, iTunes Store and iBookstore. Your users get faster downloads of content and updates to their iOS devices directly over your corporate network.

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Answer 7

Sep 20, 2013 9:33 AM in response to Cbjake

Cbjake: FWIW and to clarify that for folks reading here, some of the phrasing of OS X Server features and announcements around iOS support has confused a few people. In particular, Caching Server 2 is a feature of the upcoming Mavericks Server release, and not of iOS. When Mavericks Server arrives, Caching Server 2 will cache updates for iOS devices, however. Here's what little is official from Apple.

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