I don't get your comment. MDM API is still free, you can implement and host MDM server yourself without any issues. I'm pretty sure you will find some open source MDM implementations if you look around.
Profile Manager was software that Apple used to provide free with macOS Server which was free with certain hardware purchases. This software provided a native way to manage multiple devices that was ideal for small businesses and families.
I understand there are non-free and non-native alternatives, but the discontinuing of free software is still frustrating. It would be like Apple suddenly deciding to make Safari a monthly subscription. Sure, I could pay for it or I could start using Firefox, but it is still functionality that used to be native and free that no longer is.
I understand there are non-free and non-native alternatives, but the discontinuing of free software is still frustrating. It would be like Apple suddenly deciding to make Safari a monthly subscription. Sure, I could pay for it or I could start using Firefox, but it is still functionality that used to be native and free that no longer is.