Outside the main stores.
WHAT ANDROID PERMITS
Distributing an application file directly, or through alternative stores.
WHAT THAT SUITS
Internal business applications Applications the store will not accept Limited distribution to known users
WHAT IT COSTS
Users must permit installation from unknown sources No automatic updates unless you build them No store discovery Reduced user trust
WHAT ENTERPRISE DISTRIBUTION PROVIDES
Distribution within an organisation, through management tooling.
WHAT iOS PERMITS
Very little outside the store, other than enterprise distribution and limited regional arrangements.
WHAT TESTING DISTRIBUTION PROVIDES
Distributing to testers before release, on both platforms.
WHAT TO USE IT FOR
Genuine testing, not production distribution.
WHY
Limits and expiry apply, and misuse risks enforcement.
WHAT TO CONSIDER INSTEAD FOR MANY CASES
An installable web application.
WHAT THAT AVOIDS
Stores, review, download size and approval entirely.
WHAT IT COSTS
Limited device access, and no store presence.
