Fleet revises open-source platform for unified device management

Open-source device management pioneer, Fleet, has announced a revised version of its service. This upgrade allows IT departments in enterprises to manage all Linux, Windows, and Apple devices from a single platform. The functionality simplifies support obligations for managing corporate devices and enables companies to consolidate and eliminate their dependence on proprietary platforms like Jamf Pro, Jamf Protect, Microsoft Intune, Ivanti MobileIron, and the recently acquired Workspace ONE by Broadcom.

With infinite customisation capabilities, Fleet eases demands on IT departments that were previously required to conform to multiple vendor-specific processes and workflows. The platform is particularly beneficial for organisations that utilise several Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms. Companies including Snowflake, Uber, Segment, Atlassian, Gusto, and even government bodies are currently reaping the benefits of Fleet's capabilities.

Fleet's platform offers a seamless integration of all devices, regardless of the operating system. As the IT manager at a large gaming company explained, "We wanted this to be our last MDM migration. Fleet gives admins a more open, consistent approach to device management. We can define how we manage devices all in one place. It's a lower level of abstraction which is much more efficient."

The updated release provides an open API for every endpoint, to increase the speed of implementing "zero trust" and other endpoint initiatives for IT administrators. It ensures a consistent user interface across every operating system and helps enterprises move away from brittle processes that can hamper new projects and complicate troubleshooting issues.

Encouraging the use of platforms like Fleet, Ken Buckler, Research Director at Enterprise Management Associates, said, "Many companies today are using multiple MDM platforms. The resulting complexity and training needs can hinder productivity and escalate costs. Platforms like Fleet, that provide unified support for all major operating systems and a modern user experience, address these issues."

Fleet allows IT departments to manage every kind of device from an open-source platform, ensuring the best practical features are built directly into the MDM. It enables IT departments to maintain audits and offboard employees without relinquishing engineers' Linux computers. The platform offers an automatic system data collection capability without maintaining vendor-specific abstractions. With integrated approvals and versioning, it reduces the risks associated with MDM configuration changes and saves engineering time.

Fleet CEO, Mike McNeil is clear about the platform's purpose and scope. "Anyone with multiple Command and Control Centres or operating systems will benefit from using Fleet. We've worked extremely hard to make MDM migrations easier for our customers."

As a strong advocate of Fleet's open-source ethos, he added, "Even folks who've never done an MDM migration have probably heard it's not straightforward. But it should be. We're not trying to lock you into a certain way of doing things. We couldn't, even if we tried. It's open source."