Fleet, an open-source multi-platform device management vendor, has expanded its software to support Windows devices. With the increase in Apple’s presence in the enterprise market, there is a growing need for multi-platform mobile device management (MDM) tools. Fleet aims to provide a unified solution that caters to IT admins managing diverse devices.
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Open-Source MDM Solutions Gain Importance as Apple Gains Enterprise Market Share
In the US, Apple is steadily gaining market share in the enterprise sector, particularly in the high-end laptop market. As a result, there is a growing demand for mobile device management (MDM) tools that can effectively manage not only Windows devices but also Apple and Linux devices. The increasing number of MDM tools in the market reflects the need for multi-platform solutions.
Fleet Offers Open-Source Vision for Multi-Platform Device Management
Fleet, an open-source multi-platform device management vendor, aims to cater to the needs of enterprise and education admins by providing a unified solution. The company focuses on leveraging open-source tools to create a device management solution that works seamlessly across major operating systems, including Windows. This approach appeals to IT admins dealing with competing priorities within corporate IT, such as managing Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.
Challenges of Migrating Between MDM Platforms
Migrating between MDM platforms can be a complex task, especially when there are already a large number of devices across different platforms in use. Budget constraints and time limitations further complicate the process. Fleet believes its open-source roots offer businesses a viable option to support multiple platforms with a single, integrated solution. By integrating with popular configuration management platforms and leveraging Osquery, Fleet aims to provide deep insight into managed devices while keeping costs manageable.
Leveraging Familiar Tools to Manage Windows Devices
Fleet’s integration with popular configuration management platforms such as Chef, Ansible, and Puppet allows experienced IT admins to use tools they are already familiar with to manage Windows devices. The integration enables admins to craft queries to identify devices at risk and initiate remedial actions swiftly. By marrying the strengths of MDM with the analytical power of osquery, Fleet offers a comprehensive solution for managing Windows devices.
The Appeal of Fleet’s Open-Source Approach
Fleet combines open source with existing platform-based MDM APIs to deliver a consistent end-user experience while remaining configurable to meet specific IT needs. This approach allows developers to customize the software according to their company’s requirements, offering flexibility in versioning and change management. Fleet’s open-source nature also allows for easier migration and data extraction, ensuring that customers are not locked into a specific way of doing things.
The Shift in Platform Usage Patterns and Management Choices
Microsoft Endpoint Manager, including Intune, has been a widely used management choice for Windows and Mac devices. However, with Apple’s increasing presence in the enterprise market, companies may hesitate to invest in Microsoft solutions to manage their Macs. Fleet’s open-source nature presents an alternative option that addresses the changing platform usage patterns in the enterprise.
Conclusion
Fleet’s introduction of Windows support to its multi-platform device management software strengthens its position as an open-source MDM solution provider. As Apple continues to gain market share in the enterprise sector, the need for multi-platform device management tools becomes more apparent. Fleet’s open-source vision and integration with popular configuration management platforms make it an attractive option for IT admins looking to manage diverse devices efficiently. By leveraging familiar tools and providing deep insight into managed devices, Fleet aims to alleviate the challenges associated with migrating between MDM platforms and offer a unified solution that caters to the evolving needs of corporate IT.
You May Also Ask
1. What is Fleet’s new software update?
Fleet recently introduced Windows support to its existing software, allowing IT to manage Linux, Apple, and Windows devices within a single console.
2. Why is Apple growing in the enterprise market?
Analysts have observed that Apple is gaining market share in the enterprise, particularly in the high-end laptop market with their M1 MacBook Pro.
3. Why is multi-platform IT prompting consolidation among veteran firms?
The move towards multi-platform IT is leading to consolidation among veteran firms in the device management space. The acquisition of VMware by Broadcom has generated challenges for some admins, leading them to look for alternative solutions.
4. How does Fleet address the needs of IT admins?
Fleet offers an open-source vision for multi-platform device management solutions, allowing admins to manage devices across major operating systems using familiar open-source tools.
5. Why is migrating between device management platforms complex?
Migrating between device management platforms can be complex due to the large number of devices across different platforms that may already be in use. It requires careful coordination, budget considerations, and time constraints.
6. How does Fleet help manage costs for businesses?
Fleet integrates with Osquery and uses the GitOps workflow, providing deep insight into managed devices and familiar tools for IT admins. It also integrates with leading configuration management platforms such as Chef, Ansible, and Puppet.
7. How does Fleet combine open source and platform-based MDM APIs?
Fleet combines open source with existing platform-based MDM APIs to deliver a consistent end-user experience while also being configurable to meet the specific needs of IT. Developers can tweak the software to meet their company’s needs and gain insight into versioning and change management.
8. Why is Fleet a good solution for managing Macs in the enterprise?
Fleet provides an alternative to Microsoft Endpoint Manager for managing Macs in the enterprise. With the increasing deployment of Macs in large companies, investing in a Microsoft solution may not be necessary. Additionally, the open-source nature of Fleet allows for easier migration and flexibility in managing devices.
