iAssist includes a number of utilities that aren't specific to any one server function, providing a convenient platform for performing general server management tasks. Currently, iAssist makes accessing and editing Unix configuration and other text files very convenient, allows you to issue Unix commands remotely and can monitor and launch "always on" server applications. Other useful utilities are planned, and will be part of the regular module updates that all iAssist subscribers automatically receive. So, if you have ideas for how iAssist can make your job easier, please let use know. (Send e-mail to "support@maxum.com".)

Editing Unix configuration files is a task that can be intimidating to traditional Mac OS administrators, but is actually not difficult. For new Unix users and experienced sys admins alike, the biggest hurdle to working with config files isn't figuring out config file options, but simply remembering where files are located and learning the text-based editors provided by the Unix terminal. iAssist's "Text File Manager" solves this problem for you.

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iAssist remembers each server's important configuration files, allowing you to define new files as needed, and then makes them instantly accessible. The editor in iAssist is simple, but makes quick work of any configuration file change, right from your desktop.

Making sure server applications are always running is the key to providing reliable services. Most Unix utilities are very reliable, but iAssist provides an additional level of protection by monitoring specified applications and re-launching them if and when they fail. For example, Mac CFM applications with graphical interfaces are always quit by the system if someone logs out from the server. This is just one simple case in which a quit application can be automatically re-launched by iAssist.

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iAssist can launch traditional Unix applications as well as Mac CFM applications, ensuring that all of your server processes are always available.