The Leopard server, also known as Mac OS 10.5, will soon be ready for release by the end of this year. Among the 250 new features are an iChat server for instant messaging with users on outside systems, as well as an iCal server share calendar information, and wiki server for simplifying publication and maintenance of reference material.

Only Apple can deliver an advanced server operating system packed with over 250 new features on the same day as our client OS," said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With no client access licenses, Leopard Server is the most affordable way to bring innovative server features, such as group calendaring and a wiki server, to everyone from small businesses to large educational institutions.

Mac OS X Server 10.5 will cost $499 for the 10-client edition or $999 for unlimited clients.

Steve Jobs took a gutsy and highly unanticipated stance regarding the newest version of Mac OSX, stating that it was the "best release to date."  Jobs’ statement came during an unveiling of a "near final" version of Leopard at the World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Phew!!  No more backtracking and devolution for these guys.  It’s all systems go and full steam ahead!

Read the press release here.