Lion retail launch prep may include three versions, servers
updated 01:10 pm EDT, Tue July 19, 2011
Servers would speed up in-store Lion upgrades
Apple's retail preparations for OS X Lion include three different install images, sources say. Most stores are said to be getting external LaCie drives with the images, which have three different labels: "Normal," "Pro" and "Joint Venture." Joint Venture is the name of Apple's support program for small- and medium-sized businesses, which was introduced in March this year.
The differences between the images are unclear, but may involve distinct and/or new apps tailored to separate audiences. Rumors moreover hint that some stores are getting high-end Mac Pros, which it's speculated might be used to cache Lion for in-store updates. The Mac App Store download of the OS measures in gigabytes, but through caching could complete in minutes rather than hours. Caching is permitted by OS X Server and some internal Time Capsule builds, and Apple has at least stated that people can come into a store to download the OS.
Lion could be available to the public as soon as tomorrow. Its launch should be accompanied by new Macs, namely updated MacBook Airs based on Intel's Sandy Bridge platform and equipped with Thunderbolt ports.
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These are Store Images
These refer to disk images that are used to setup macs on the shop floor, Creative training areas and the Joint Venture machines. These are not for customers. They contain apps and content specific to the store roll-out.