Mac users have a new server platform to choose from. ProVUE Development has released the Panorama Enterprise Server, billed as the first completely RAM-based general purpose database server for Mac OS X.

The system turns the traditional client/server relationship on its head a bit, throwing out the usual method of centralized data in favor of a mesh architecture that distributes copies of shared data across the network. The idea is to speed up database processing by dividing workloads among multiple network resources.

The mesh approach also enhances the ability to work offline, a boon to mobile users. Changes to the database that are made offline are automatically synched up when reconnected, without specialized setup functions or programming.

The system also features remote configuration capabilities, a management and debugging toolkit and automatic backup. You'll need OS X 10.4 or OS X Server 10.4 or better to run it, plus about $2,500 for an unlimited license.