Maxum Development has released iAssist, a new software tool aimed at administrators who use Mac OS X to serve Internet content.
A small program is loaded on each server you want to manage, and then iAssist is used to control those services. iAssist currently provides Web proxy service, remote login control, and general server management capabilities, but Maxum founder and iAssist architect John O’Fallon is careful to explain that iAssist is a framework that can be expanded and added on to.
“Since iAssist dynamically loads each software component, we can grow iAssist’s functionality over time, automatically, without the administrator having to install patches or upgrades, and without a fixed release schedule,” said O’Fallon.
The Web proxy server is an enhanced version of the popular Squid software. It has been extended with HostBlock, a content filtering system developed by Maxum for its WebDoubler software. Using HostBlock, admins can filter inappropriate content. iAssist can also manage cache settings and log files.
If you already own a license for Maxum’s WebDoubler software — a proxy server designed for “Classic” Mac OS — you can upgrade to iAssist at no cost. iAssist comes with a one-year “updates subscription,” as well.
iAssist costs US$250, and can manage up to two servers. Volume discounts and extended licenses to manage more servers are available.