Fleet MDM is an open-source, cross-platform Mobile Device Management solution that transforms how organizations manage and secure their device fleets across macOS, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, and mobile devices.
Unlike traditional MDM platforms that focus on single operating systems or require complex enterprise implementations, Fleet combines the flexibility of open-source architecture with modern GitOps workflows.
IT teams, security engineers, and DevOps professionals choose Fleet for its transparency, customization capabilities, and ability to manage diverse endpoint environments from a unified platform without vendor lock-in.
What Is Fleet MDM?
Fleet MDM is a programmable device management platform designed to centralize security, compliance, and operational control across heterogeneous device environments. Built on open-source principles, Fleet enables organizations to deploy, monitor, and secure endpoints through declarative configuration management and real-time policy enforcement.
The platform targets IT administrators, security teams, and DevOps engineers who need granular control over device fleets without the complexity and cost of traditional enterprise MDM solutions.
Fleet's architecture supports both cloud-hosted and self-hosted deployments, making it suitable for organizations with varying security, compliance, and customization requirements across startups to global enterprises.
What is Fleet MDM used for?
Fleet MDM serves organizations that need comprehensive device management across diverse operating systems and deployment scenarios:
- Cross-Platform Device Management - Unifies management of macOS, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android devices from a single dashboard, eliminating platform-specific tooling complexity
- Security Policy Enforcement - Automates deployment of CIS controls, disk encryption (FileVault), vulnerability management, and compliance monitoring across all endpoints
- GitOps-Driven Configuration - Enables infrastructure-as-code approaches for device policies, allowing version control, code review, and automated deployment workflows familiar to DevOps teams
- Zero-Touch Device Enrollment - Streamlines device provisioning through integrations with Apple Business Manager, Microsoft Autopilot, and identity providers like Okta for automated onboarding
- Real-Time Compliance Monitoring - Provides continuous visibility into device security posture with automated remediation and audit trail generation for regulatory compliance
- Open-Source Customization - Allows organizations to modify, extend, and integrate Fleet with existing tools through REST APIs and custom scripting without vendor restrictions
- Remote Device Operations - Enables IT teams to troubleshoot, update, and secure devices regardless of location through remote lock, wipe, and configuration management capabilities
Key Features of Fleet MDM
Fleet MDM's comprehensive feature set addresses modern device management challenges through automation and transparency:
- Cross-Platform Support manages Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android devices from a unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple platform-specific tools and reducing operational complexity.
- Open-Source Architecture provides complete source code access, enabling customization, security auditing, and integration with existing development workflows without vendor lock-in concerns.
- GitOps Integration supports configuration-as-code methodologies, allowing device policies to be version-controlled, peer-reviewed, and deployed through familiar software development practices.
- Real-Time Device Visibility delivers sub-30-second reporting intervals compared to hours-long delays in traditional MDM platforms, enabling rapid incident response and compliance monitoring.
- Declarative Policy Management automatically enforces desired device states including security configurations, software installations, and compliance requirements with closed-loop feedback confirmation.
- Flexible Deployment Options supports cloud-hosted, on-premises, and air-gapped installations to meet varying security, compliance, and data sovereignty requirements.
- Native Integrations connects with identity providers (Okta, Active Directory), SIEM platforms (Splunk, Elastic), ticketing systems (Jira, Zendesk), and compliance tools through robust APIs.
- Bidirectional Transparency allows end users to see what is monitored on their devices, building trust and reducing privacy concerns while maintaining security oversight.
Fleet MDM Pros & Cons
Fleet MDM offers compelling advantages for technically sophisticated organizations while presenting considerations for traditional enterprise environments.
Fleet MDM Pros
- Cost-Effective Open Source - Eliminates licensing fees and vendor lock-in while providing enterprise-grade functionality accessible to organizations with limited budgets
- Cross-Platform Unification - Manages all major operating systems from a single platform, reducing tool sprawl and administrative complexity
- Advanced Customization - Open-source architecture enables deep customization, custom integrations, and adaptation to unique organizational workflows
- Modern DevOps Integration - Native GitOps support allows configuration-as-code, version control, and automated deployment familiar to technical teams
- Rapid Deployment - Users report quick setup and immediate value delivery without complex enterprise implementation timelines
- Transparent Security Model - Bidirectional visibility builds employee trust while maintaining comprehensive security oversight
Fleet MDM Cons
- Technical Expertise Required - Open-source flexibility demands higher technical skills for setup, customization, and ongoing maintenance compared to managed solutions
- Limited Enterprise Support - Community-driven support model may not meet requirements for organizations needing 24/7 vendor assistance and SLAs
- Mobile Device Coverage - While improving, mobile device management features may lag behind specialized iOS/Android-focused platforms like Jamf or Microsoft Intune
- Learning Curve - Configuration-as-code and GitOps workflows require training for teams accustomed to traditional point-and-click MDM interfaces
Fleet MDM Pricing
Fleet MDM offers transparent, admin-focused pricing designed to scale with organizational needs rather than device count.
The pricing model focuses on per-host charges rather than per-seat licensing, making Fleet cost-effective for organizations with large device fleets. Many customers report 50% cost savings compared to traditional MDM solutions while gaining superior functionality and flexibility.
When Fleet MDM Isn't Enough: Meet Siit
While Fleet MDM excels at device management and security policy enforcement, organizations often need an all-in-one solution that addresses the cross-departmental coordination challenges that extend beyond device provisioning.
This is where Siit becomes essential, operating as a business process orchestration layer directly within communication platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Siit transforms how teams handle device management operations by:
- Power Actions for Direct MDM Control - IT teams can execute Fleet MDM actions directly from Siit without switching systems—locking devices, retrieving recovery keys, or checking compliance status right within the ticket interface, minimizing friction and speeding up resolution time
- AI-Powered Workflow Automation - Device requests trigger custom workflows that coordinate approvals across IT, HR, and Finance automatically—using Siit's no-code automation to handle the manual coordination that typically surrounds device provisioning and lifecycle management
- Cross-System Orchestration - Siit unifies Fleet MDM with HRIS, identity management, and asset tracking systems, coordinating complete device lifecycle workflows from onboarding through offboarding without IT becoming the human API between disconnected platforms
- Slack and Teams-Native Device Support - Employees request device help through Siit's native Slack and Teams bots, where they already work, eliminating portal adoption barriers while maintaining proper routing, context, and audit trails for all device-related requests
- 360° Employee Profile with Device Context - When handling device requests, IT teams see complete employee history, current equipment inventory, and relevant system details in one view—pulling context from Fleet MDM and other integrated systems without switching between admin panels
- AI Triage for Intelligent Routing - Device-related requests are automatically categorized and routed to the right IT team members based on issue type and expertise, reducing the manual triage work that slows down device support resolution
The result: Fleet MDM provides the technical device management foundation while Siit handles the cross-departmental coordination and employee experience—eliminating the manual coordination overhead that typically consumes 40% of operational capacity and allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives instead of being coordination bottlenecks. Request a Demo to experience this firsthand.
Fleet MDM Alternatives
Organizations evaluating Fleet MDM should consider these platforms, all of which integrate with Siit for comprehensive business process orchestration:
- SimpleMDM focuses exclusively on Apple device management with polished user experience and zero-touch enrollment, ideal for Mac-centric environments requiring minimal technical overhead
- Microsoft Intune provides comprehensive endpoint management integrated with Office 365 and Azure Active Directory, suitable for Windows-heavy organizations with existing Microsoft investments
- Jamf Pro specializes in Apple device management with advanced features for macOS and iOS, preferred by organizations requiring deep Apple ecosystem integration and extensive mobile device controls
- Kandji offers modern Apple device management with automated compliance and patch management, targeting organizations wanting Apple-focused simplicity without sacrificing enterprise features
- Google Workspace includes basic Chrome OS and Android management capabilities sufficient for Google-centric organizations without complex security requirements
- Datadog provides comprehensive IT infrastructure monitoring including endpoint visibility, better suited for organizations prioritizing observability over device control
