Those features are all available for the single cost of a server license -- without a doubt, a smart move on Apple's part and something systems or network administrators will want to check out directly.

But Leopard Server reaches an audience beyond the typical set of IT professionals. Apple is aiming to capture some of the small business community by offering a new Server Preferences application that offers stripped-down server management for small workgroups. I'm both curious and somewhat hesitant about how Apple will manage to create a fully functional and yet very simple server management system. If any company can design an elegant interface to accomplish this task, it's probably Apple. If Apple gets this right, Leopard Server could be an ideal solution for small organizations that can't afford a full-time systems administrator. That could attract a new class of business users to the Mac and to Mac OS X Server -- while providing a product that they can grow into should they need more advanced features.

Digital media

Expect Apple to continue to leverage its hold on the digital entertainment market. Despite some conflicting reports about the state of online music sales, Apple's iTunes/iPod combination remains in a class of its own. Microsoft Corp.'s Zune probably isn't going away soon, but it also isn't likely to replace the iPod. Even so, I don't see Apple resting on its laurels.

The iTV is the clearest example of Apple's plans to capitalize on the digital hub strategy it has pursued for the better part of a decade. Its iTV offering will, for the first time, make it easy to join a Mac and TV. There are other systems that do this now, but iTV will be the first that is as easy as connecting a DVD player. It will offer access not just to your music and iTunes Store downloads, but also to any other videos on your computer (including those made in iMovie) as well as digital photos -- turning your TV into an always-available family photo album.