Linux has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly when it comes to developer laptops and Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints. As the Linux ecosystem continues to expand, its critical IT organizations are equipped to manage these deployments, which is why VMware Workspace ONE now supports Linux endpoint management. Workspace ONE is the only unified endpoint management (UEM) platform built to address the unique management requirements of Linux endpoints, regardless of device type, architecture, or distribution.

Linux-Based Developer Workstations and IoT in the Enterprise

Linux has long been considered the underdog of the OS world. However, its popularity for a growing number of diverse, enterprise use cases—from servers and the cloud to workstations and IoT—has led to rapid year-over-year (YoY) growth. According to Evans Data Corporation, the professional developer population is projected to grow to over 28 million by 2024. While Windows remains the top platform for developers, its popularity is diminishing, and DevOps and advanced users are increasingly choosing Linux-based workstations (like Ubuntu, SUSE, and Red Hat laptops and desktops) for its efficiency and reliability. According to Stack Overflow’s 2020 Developer Survey, 55 percent of respondents are using Linux and over 75 percent want to continue using it, making it the ‘most loved platform.’

From robots and gateways to facility equipment and industrial systems, IoT is powered by Linux. According to a 2020 survey by the Eclipse Foundation, Linux is the top choice for IoT developers, particularly Debian-based versions (like Raspbian and Ubuntu). IoT continues to gain momentum in the enterprise and the proliferation of new endpoints unlocks new growth opportunities for organizations across all sectors.

Top IT Challenges for Linux

Any endpoint connected to the corporate network poses a significant cyber security risk, and Linux endpoints are no exception. However, Linux devices present specific management and security challenges for IT. As an open-source platform, there are over 600 Linux versions or distributions, which has caused a lack of standardization among APIs. Linux deployments can also be complex and may require unique technical expertise. Furthermore, unlike workstations, mission-critical IoT endpoints are unattended and often lack basic connectivity requirements. To protect valuable corporate data, its critical IT organizations have full visibility and control over Linux endpoints. This means organizations must include Linux in their overall UEM strategy to ensure endpoints are configurable, secure, and remotely supported.

Workspace ONE for Linux Endpoint Management

Workspace ONE UEM enables IT to support any Linux device—from developer workstations to unattended IoT endpoints—alongside existing mobile and laptop deployments, from a single console at scale. And because Workspace ONE provides distribution-agnostic support, customers can manage any x86 or ARM-based Linux version, including CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Linux Mint, openSUSE, Raspbian, Red Hat, Ubuntu, and more. Other key features and capabilities include:

• Streamlined Enrollment and Configuration: Quickly onboard devices with scripted or manual command line enrollment and leverage Wi-Fi Configuration to configure SSID, security type, credentials, and certificates, as well as Credentials Configuration to send certificates to devices.
• Advanced Customization Features: Leverage Custom Configuration to create payloads that execute customized scripts and actions on devices.
• End-to-End Management: Enable asset tagging and tracking, access critical device and network info and troubleshooting logs, and perform device or enterprise wipe commands.
• Integrated Analytics: Leverage VMware Workspace ONE Intelligence to uncover insights and drive automation based on time-based trends, historical data, and Workspace ONE Sensors, which can be created and assigned to track important custom device attributes.
• Remote Support: Leverage VMware Workspace ONE Assist to remotely assist employees with workstation issues and troubleshoot unattended IoT endpoints to reduce downtime.

Over the past year, we’ve reimagined the very foundation of our Workspace ONE UEM platform to deliver new capabilities, including automated management, multi-modal employee experiences, Zero Trust security, and more. Due to the Workspace ONE re-architecture, support for Linux will be delivered to customers in a phased rollout, depending on their environment. Initial support for Linux will only be available for SaaS customers. Reference the Workspace ONE for Linux SaaS Deployment Schedule for additional info.

Technical Requirements:

• X86_64-, ARM5-, or AM7-based Linux endpoint running SystemD or SystemV
• Workspace ONE UEM 2109+
• Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub 21.10+
• (Optional) Workspace ONE Assist 21.11+

Learn More:

To learn more visit vmware.com/products/workspace-one/linux-endpoint-management. Also, stay tuned for our Workspace ONE for Linux feature walk-through, publishing next week on VMware Digital Workspace Tech Zone!