Apple buys MDM specialist to bolster business credentials

Fleetsmith acquired by Apple for undisclosed sum

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Applehas acquired the mobile device management (MDM) startup Fleetsmith in an effort to make it easier for organizations to set up new Mac and iOS devices.

Up until now, the iPhone maker has relied on third party companies to provideMDM solutionsto its enterprise customers.

AlthoughAppledid not publicize the acquisition, Fleetsmith did in ablog post, saying:

“We started Fleetsmith to balance the management and security needs of IT with the experience users love about Mac, iPad, and iPhone. We’re proud of the incredibly talented team we’ve built, and that we’ve stayed true to our mission: to make powerful, secure Apple fleet management available to everyone. 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

Fleetsmith was founded back in 2016 and the startup has raised $40m so far, according toCrunchbase. The company’s technology leverages Apple’s Device Enrollment Program and allows IT departments to quickly bring new devices online once employees take them out of the box.

Neither Apple nor Fleetsmith disclosed the terms of the deal though the acquisition was likely much cheaper for the Cupertino-based company than buyingJamfwhich is also a big name in the MDM space. However, Jamf isn’t likely to be acquired anytime soon as the company has a $3bn IPO in the works.

Although Fleetsmith is being acquired by Apple, the company says that it will still continue to serve both new and existing customers. This means that it will likely continue to operate independently and not just become a part of Apple.

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ViaArs Technica

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

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