Mac clone maker offers OEM program

Mac clone firm Psystar has announced the launch of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) licensing program that will let hardware manufacturers produce machines that are Mac OS X compatible.

The initiative will allow manufacturers that want to get in on the Mac clone business to get their equipment certified by Psystar.

The company said that in most cases it will "tailor" its technology to a specific hardware requirement at no additional engineering cost.

This will allow manufacturers to save time and money by "utilising our familiarity running the Mac OS X on generic hardware", said Psystar.

Devices will be shipped to consumers pre-loaded with the Darwin Universal Boot Loader, and qualifying products must fall into Desktop, Server or Mobile categories, Psystar explained.

Equipment purchasers will then be able to install either a Windows or Apple operating system onto their machine.

"The customer can install the Mac OS themselves simply by inserting the retail DVD, or choose to install several other operating systems with no manual boot configuration," said the company in a statement.

"Darwin Universal Boot Loader supports up to six different operating systems on a single machine and configures itself 'automagicly'."

Psystar added that systems will also be compatible with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, and will receive normal software updates through the use of Safe Update technology.

The number of equipment manufacturers that sign up remains to be seen. Psystar is currently involved in a legal battle with Apple concerning its manufacturing of computers preloaded with Mac OS X Leopard. Apple has argued that the licensing agreement for OS X does not allow for third-party installations.