Managed Software is a ready-made catalogue of popular apps such as Slack, Zoom and Chrome. Fleet packages each app and keeps it current, so you can roll out common software without handling installers yourself.
Overview
Supported platforms:
| macOS | Windows | Linux | iOS / iPadOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | ✅ |
Pick Managed Software when:
- The app you want is already in the Fleet catalogue.
- You want Factorial IT to keep the installer up to date for you.
- You want devices patched automatically, with no manual work.
Deployment options
Each app you add can be deployed in one or more of these ways:
- Install automatically: Factorial IT pushes the app silently to every targeted device.
- Self-service: the app is listed in the Self-Service portal, and employees install it when they need it.
- Install during Zero Touch: the app is installed while the device is being provisioned, before the employee uses it for the first time.
Install during Zero Touch makes provisioning take longer. Keep it for apps that have to be there on day one.
How to use
- Go to MDM > Software and click Add app.
- Select Managed Software.
- Pick the app from the catalogue.
- Set the deployment options and the patching toggles.
- Click Add software.
App patching
| Keep installer updated | Factorial IT looks for a newer version once a day and replaces the source installer automatically |
| Automatically patch devices | Devices running an older version are brought up to date automatically |
Both toggles are available for Managed Software, and we recommend turning both on.
Tips and Best Practices
- Turn on both patching toggles. The installer stays current and devices follow it, so nobody has to chase versions.
- Use Install during Zero Touch sparingly. Every extra app adds time to provisioning. Save it for tools the employee needs the moment they log in.
- Offer optional tools through Self-service. Employees get what they need without filling devices with apps nobody uses.
- Check the catalogue first. If the app is there, Managed Software saves you building and maintaining your own package.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Troubleshooting
- The app is not in the catalogue. Managed Software only covers the apps Fleet maintains. For anything else, add your own package instead.
- Devices are still on an old version. Check that Automatically patch devices is on. Keep installer updated only refreshes the source installer; it does not update devices on its own.
- Provisioning takes too long. Review which apps have Install during Zero Touch turned on and move non-essential ones to Install automatically or Self-service.
FAQ
-
Which platforms does Managed Software support?
macOS and Windows.
-
Who keeps the apps up to date?
Fleet packages and maintains the catalogue. With Keep installer updated on, Factorial IT checks daily for a newer version and updates the installer for you.
-
What is the difference between the two patching toggles?
Keep installer updated refreshes the installer Factorial IT uses. Automatically patch devices updates devices that already have an older version installed.
-
Can I combine deployment options?
Yes. You choose them when you add the app.