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Cross-platform applications

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Cross-platform applications

Many applications have separate (cross-platform) versions for Macintosh and x86-based computers. With Services for Macintosh, Macintosh and x86-based clients can use cross-platform applications to modify the same files.

For example, a person who uses an x86-based version of Microsoft Excel can create a spreadsheet file and store the file on the server in a shared folder that is also configured as a Macintosh-accessible volume. A Macintosh user who opens that shared folder can double-click the file icon, and Microsoft Excel for Macintosh starts and opens the file. The Macintosh user can modify the file and save it. When the user of the x86-based computer opens the file, the modified version of the file appears.

File Server for Macintosh uses extension-type associations to display x86-based files with the correct icon when the Macintosh user is viewing the files in the Finder.

File Server for Macintosh comes with extension-type associations already defined for many applications. These can be extended or modified.