Apple acquires device management startup Fleetsmith to streamline iPhones and Macs deployment in the enterprise
Nickie Louise
Posted On June 25, 2020
Apple has acquired San Francisco-based device management startup Fleetsmith. The company makes it easier to deploy iPhones and Macs at workplaces. The total amount of the deal was not disclosed. Even though Apple offers enterprise-grade features and security on its devices, including iPads, iPhones, and Macs, the tech giant still relies on third-party companies for enterprise deployment. The acquisition of FleetSmith will enable Apple to offer mobile device management (MDM) solution to enterprise users.
Fleetsmith was founded in 2016 by Jesse Endahl, Ken Kouot, Stevie Hryciw, and Zack Blum. The founders were former IT and security leaders from Dropbox and Fandom who combined their security engineering and IT expertise into an all new approach to managing Macs. The company raised over $40 million in venture capital from investors including Menlo Ventures, according to public funding record.
Fleetsmith puts device management on auto-pilot by automating device setup, intelligence, patching, and security for your company’s Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs. It integrates with G Suite and Office 365, empowering you to easily deploy, patch, manage, and secure your devices over the internet.
In a blog post, Fleetsmith said, “We’re thrilled to join Apple. Our shared values of putting the customer at the center of everything we do without sacrificing privacy and security, means we can truly meet our mission, delivering Fleetsmith to businesses and institutions of all sizes, around the world.” Fleetsmith said that it is looking forward “We look forward to continuing to deliver Fleetsmith to existing and new customers.”
The company also announced in a post on Twitter: “Fleetsmith is now part of Apple! Our mission from day one was to balance the needs of IT with the experience users love about Macs, iPhones, and iPads. We’re beyond thrilled to continue that work at Apple.”
https://twitter.com/FleetsmithHQ/status/1275809209683021827
