Enterprise App Store
If you want to distribute your in-house applications to your users, you can use the Enterprise App Store.
Appcircle's Enterprise App Store helps you to set up your own store and have full control over deployment and access management.
Prerequisites
In order for your users to download IPA or APK files, those files must be signed with proper certificates or Keystore files.
Android apps can be signed with any Keystore if the user's device allows installing apps from other sources.
Although iOS apps can be signed with Ad-Hoc provisioning profiles for in-house distribution, this type of distribution is limited to 100 devices per year. Once you hit that limit, you need to wait a year to reset your device limit. You also need to add the UUID of your users' device to Apple's Developer website. Therefore, Ad-Hoc distribution is intended for internal developer team members.
If you have more than 100 users and don't want to deal with device enrollment, you need to use sign your apps with Enterprise Certificate. Please check the Apple's Enterprise program for more information.
Appcircle's Enterprise App Store module allows you to distribute your application without the need for any external tools. However, the way your app is signed remains your responsibility and depends on your own workflows; therefore, if you are not enrolled in the Apple Enterprise Program, Appcircle will not provide an enterprise signing service.
Enterprise App Store Profile
There are several ways to create an Enterprise App Store Profile. You can either manually upload your IPA or APK files or send them through Appcircle's Distribution, Build, or Publish modules.
Portal Customization
The Enterprise App Store module allows for tailoring the login page to reflect your organization's branding. You can customize the colors, update the title, and replace the logo to create a seamless and professional experience for your users.
Portal Settings
The Enterprise Portal Settings allows you to configure your store's authentication, along with captcha and domain settings.
Enterprise Portal
Enterprise Portal allows you to share your applications via Beta and Live channels.
Portal Reports
You can access reports for your Enterprise App Store from this screen. The reports screen provides the following data through a clear and concise user interface.
In-app Updates
In-app updates enable applications to deliver and install updates directly within the app, enhancing user experience by minimizing disruption.
Enterprise App Store FAQ
What is Enterprise App Store?
Enterprise App Store is Appcircle's new feature that lets you create your own mobile app store for your in-house apps (apps that are not meant to be distributed through Apple's App Store and Google Play Store).
What is the difference between Enterprise App Store and Testing Distribution
Testing Distribution is a process designed to facilitate the manual testing of new builds by internal or third-party teams, ensuring that each iteration is thoroughly validated before final release.
Enterprise App Store, on the other hand, serves as the final distribution method, offering a secure and branded experience for internal customers.
Understanding the difference between these two methods is essential for effective internal distribution, ensuring that the right version of your app reaches the right audience at the right time.
Can non-Enterprise companies use this feature?
Yes. From small teams to large enteprises, anybody can create their own app store.
What kind of apps can I put to my App Portal
As long as they are signed with an Ad Hoc or Enterprise Distribution Certificate, all apps with .ipa or .apk/.aab files can be uploaded.
Can we customize our portal and how?
Yes. You can customize your logo, primary and secondary color and the main text color.
How will users enter my App Portal?
Once you go to your portal's settings in Appcircle, you can define a prefix and Appcircle will give you a URL with the given prefix. Alternatively, you can use your own domain. (Not eligible on Starter plans. Please contact us to request custom domains).
Can I set an authentication method for accessing the Enterprise Portal?
Yes, you can choose one of the authentication methods provided by Appcircle to authenticate your users and control their access to the portal. For more information, please visit the Enterprise App Store Store Authentication documentations.
Can I send a binary from another CI tool?
Yes, you can use Appcircle API & CLI tools within your current CI tool to directly send the binary and utilize it within the Enterprise App Store. For more information, please visit the Appcircle API & CLI documentations.
Is my app store accessible from desktop web?
Yes. Desktop users can access your app portal and view the available apps through your store's URL. To install and run an app, you need to open the store from a mobile device. Desktop website will display a QR code next to your portal to pen the page from mobile devices easily.
How can I create an Enterprise Distribution Certificate on iOS?
You have to be enrolled on Apple Enterprise Developer Program ($299/year). You can alternatively use Ad Hoc certificates if you aren'a a member of the Enterprise Developer program (see question below).
Can I distribute apps signed with Ad Hoc / App Store Provisioning Profile from my Portal?
You can distribute apps that are signed with an Ad Hoc certificate (iOS). Please note that your users' device identifiers must be added to Apple Developer Portal and should be included in the provisioning profile used in signing the build. Apps signed with App Store certificates can't be distributed.
What does downloads/month mean? How is the number calculated?
A download is calculated every time an app is downloaded from our servers. So a user downloading an app, updating to a new version and re-installing any version adds to the download count.
Do you offer plans specific to Enterprise App Store (without CI/CD features)?
Thanks to the modular structure of Appcircle, all modules can be used independently. Accordingly, you can also request a special plan only for Enterprise App Store. Please contact us for detailed information.