fleet/articles/comparative-look-at-ws1-and-fleet.md

# A comparative look at VMware Workspace ONE and Fleet Device Management

![A comparative look at VMware Workspace ONE and Fleet Device Management](../website/assets/images/articles/comparative-look-at-ws1-and-fleet-1600x900@2x.png)

IT administrators and security professionals are constantly looking for robust, scalable device management solutions that can accommodate the dynamic needs of their organizations. The recent acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, with its potential implications for VMware Workspace ONE users, has added a layer of uncertainty to this search. Amidst these industry shifts, Fleet Device Management emerges as a compelling alternative, distinguished by its open-core, cross-platform approach and strong community support. This blog post delves into a comparative analysis of VMware Workspace ONE and Fleet Device Management, offering insights to help navigate the complex terrain of device management solutions.


### Understanding VMware Workspace ONE

VMware Workspace ONE (formerly known as AirWatch) is a comprehensive digital workspace platform, often called unified endpoint management (UEM), offering a range of features designed to simplify device and application management across diverse environments. However, the [acquisition of VMware by Broadcom](https://investors.broadcom.com/news-releases/news-release-details/broadcom-completes-acquisition-vmware) introduces a degree of uncertainty, particularly regarding the future direction and support for Workspace ONE. While there may be potential benefits, such as greater integration with Broadcom's security and networking solutions and possibly increased resources for development, concerns loom large. These include potential disruptions to existing workflows, shifts in product focus away from smaller businesses, and significant price increases upon contract renewal—a stark reflection of the broader industry trend towards prioritizing corporate profitability at the expense of customer value.


### Introducing Fleet Device Management

Fleet, with its open-core model, offers a refreshing contrast. Designed for real-time insights using osquery and GitOps-driven management, Fleet caters to a wide range of devices, including Mac, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS. Its strength lies in its adaptability to organizations of various sizes, facilitated by a robust community-driven development model. Fleet's emphasis on flexibility, scalability, and community engagement positions it as a desirable option for organizations seeking stability and transparency in their device management solutions.


### Comparative analysis

When comparing the two solutions, several key differences emerge. VMware Workspace ONE offers a broad feature set with deep integration into the VMware ecosystem, potentially appealing to organizations heavily invested in VMware products. However, the recent acquisition raises questions about long-term stability and cost-effectiveness.

In contrast, Fleet's open-source nature and community-driven approach provide a level of transparency and control not typically found in proprietary solutions. This aspect particularly appeals to organizations wary of vendor lock-in and those valuing the agility and innovation spurred by community contributions.

Centralized management capabilities are crucial for larger organizations; both solutions offer robust tools. However, Fleet's open-source model may provide more flexibility and customization options with a [robust API](https://fleetdm.com/docs/rest-api/rest-api), allowing organizations to tailor the solution to their specific needs without facing unexpected cost hikes or unilateral changes to the service.


### The value of open source in device management

The open-source model underpinning Fleet Device Management exemplifies the benefits of community collaboration and innovation. Unlike proprietary models, which can be subject to corporate decisions that may not align with user needs, open-source projects like Fleet thrive on user feedback and contributions. This model fosters a vibrant ecosystem where stability, security, and functionality continuously evolve, driven by its users' collective expertise and insights.


### Navigating uncertainties in the tech landscape

The tech industry's landscape is fraught with uncertainties, particularly with frequent mergers and acquisitions. The stability and predictability offered by open-source solutions like Fleet can be a safe harbor for IT decision-makers. Fleet's transparent development process and community-driven roadmap provide assurance that is hard to find in proprietary solutions, which may be subject to abrupt changes in direction or pricing in the wake of corporate acquisitions.


### Conclusion

The choice between VMware Workspace ONE and Fleet Device Management hinges on various factors, including organizational size, existing infrastructure, and long-term strategic priorities. As the industry continues to evolve, the value of open-source solutions like Fleet—marked by their flexibility, community support, and transparency—becomes increasingly apparent. For organizations navigating the complexities of device management, Fleet offers a compelling alternative that aligns with the needs of a diverse and dynamic IT landscape.

We invite readers to explore Fleet Device Management further, considering how its open-core, community-driven approach can meet the evolving needs of your organization. Check out our [migration guide](https://fleetdm.com/docs/using-fleet/mdm-migration-guide#migration-guide) to move from VMware Workspace ONE to Fleet. Your feedback and questions are invaluable as we continue to navigate the future of device management together. [Join the conversation](https://fleetdm.com/support) and let us know your thoughts on this critical topic.




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<meta name="authorFullName" value="JD Strong">
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<meta name="publishedOn" value="2024-02-01">
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