Organizations today rely on multiple tools to manage and secure endpoint devices across numerous device types and operating systems. Fleet addresses these inefficiencies with a unique open-source, programmable, git-driven approach to cross-platform mobile device management (MDM) that helps customers integrate existing tools and workflows while consolidating and streamlining management and security processes. 

This week, the open-source MDM pioneer announced a new version of their MDM platform. I sat down with Fleet CEO Mike McNeil to learn more.

VMblog:  Can you tell us more about Fleet's new version of its open-source, programmable platform?

Mike McNeil:  Fleet's new version of its open-source, programmable platform allows enterprise IT departments to consolidate and replace VMware/Broadcom Workspace ONE, Ivanti Mobileiron, Microsoft Intune, and Jamf, all within one place. It is infinitely customizable, enabling IT departments to manage all their devices from one location and eliminating the need to adhere to vendor-specific processes and workflows. It is especially valuable for organizations using multiple MDM platforms.

VMblog:  What sets Fleet's MDM platform apart from proprietary solutions like VMware/Broadcom Workspace ONE and Ivanti Mobileiron?

McNeil:  Our open-source MDM platform fundamentally sets itself apart from proprietary solutions like VMware/Broadcom Workspace ONE and Ivanti MobileIron by not only offering a lower level of abstraction for customization but also by effectively eliminating silos within IT departments. The key to our platform's success lies in its ability to unify tooling across various IT functions.

By integrating disparate tools and systems into a single, cohesive framework, Fleet breaks down the barriers that typically exist between different IT management tools and processes. This unified approach ensures that IT departments can work more efficiently and cohesively, fostering better communication and collaboration. Unlike proprietary platforms, which often confine users within rigid, vendor-specific processes and interfaces, Fleet encourages an open and flexible environment. 

In addition to promoting unity with a consistent interface accessible to administrators of various backgrounds, Fleet enhances operational efficiency by providing centralized management through a single open-source platform. Our distinctive features, like the practical implementation of Zero Trust at the user level, closed-loop feedback on deployments, and device management as code through DevOps/GitOps workflows, further contribute to this unified approach, making Fleet a versatile and adaptable solution that stands in stark contrast to more segmented, proprietary alternatives.

VMblog:  How does Fleet help simplify device management for IT teams?

McNeil:  Fleet significantly simplifies device management for IT teams by supporting a DevOps or GitOps workflow through our comprehensive API. This approach streamlines operations and introduces a robust system of accountability and checks and balances.

Fleet provides IT departments with a transparent and controlled way to manage devices. Each action or change made through our API is documented and trackable, ensuring that every step in the device management process is accounted for. This level of oversight is crucial in maintaining the integrity and security of IT operations.

Moreover, the checks and balances inherent in this workflow mean that changes are logged, reviewed, and approved collaboratively. This collaborative review process enhances the quality of work, ensuring that it aligns with the organization's policies and best practices. It also encourages a culture of shared responsibility among IT team members, leading to more thoughtful and effective management practices.

In essence, Fleet's approach not only lowers the complexity of device management but also embeds a culture of responsibility and collaboration, ensuring that every change is purposeful, secure, and in line with the organization's broader IT strategy. 

VMblog:  How does Fleet's MDM platform support Zero Trust at the user level?

McNeil:  Fleet's MDM platform plays a crucial role in supporting Zero Trust at the user level by authenticating and authorizing user identities and enforcing policy directly on the endpoints. This dual approach ensures comprehensive security, aligning with the core principles of Zero Trust. By continuously validating user access and enforcing policy on each device, Fleet provides a robust security posture that guards against external threats and potential internal vulnerabilities.

Implementing these policies at the endpoint is a critical aspect of our strategy. It allows us to control how devices, applications, and data are used and accessed. This level of control is essential in today's ever-evolving security landscape, where threats can arise from virtually anywhere and at any time. With Fleet, IT departments can enforce consistent policies across all devices, ensuring that every endpoint adheres to the organization's security standards. This mitigates risks and streamlines the management of these devices, making security a seamless aspect of the user experience.

VMblog:  How does Fleet maintain transparency and trust through open-source software?

McNeil:  Fleet's foundation on open-source software, particularly being built on osquery, is a pivotal aspect of maintaining transparency and trust. Unlike the proprietary solutions mentioned earlier, the open-source nature of Fleet offers complete visibility into the mechanics of our platform. This transparency allows users and administrators to understand what Fleet does and how it achieves its results. Such openness is crucial for organizations that value the functionality and methodology behind their IT and security tools, ensuring no 'black boxes' exist in their operational processes.

In addition, Fleet's open-source framework empowers users to contribute to and scrutinize the software, fostering a community-driven approach to development and innovation. This level of engagement and visibility is absent in proprietary solutions, where the inner workings remain obscured from the end users. By leveraging osquery, Fleet provides a robust and transparent platform that not only automates IT and security processes but also does so with a commitment to privacy, transparency, and trust. This approach not only enhances the security and efficiency of the platform but also aligns with the ethos of open-source software, where collaboration and openness are vital to driving innovation and trust.

VMblog:  What is Fleet's vision for the future of open-source MDM?

McNeil:  We are dedicated to providing a better way to manage computers by automating IT and security through a living, breathing API, while maintaining privacy, transparency, and trust through open-source software. Fleet's vision is to continue expanding its open-source MDM platform to support the needs of organizations worldwide while driving innovation and best practices in the industry. As an all-remote company with team members on four continents, Fleet is committed to delivering value to its customers while promoting open-source values and principles. 

For more information, visit www.fleetdm.com or read the open source company handbook.

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About Mike McNeil

Mike is an open-source developer, serial entrepreneur, and co-founder and CEO of Fleet.  He is also the creator and benevolent dictator for life (BDFL) of Sails.js, open-source MVC framework backed by Y Combinator and powering thousands of production apps all over the world.  Mike likes to make complicated things simpler to understand.