Mobile app distribution platforms allow mobile DevOps teams to distribute mobile applications to testers for manual testing or to internal users for in-house apps. They play a crucial role in managing and delivering app builds, ensuring secure and efficient access for end users.
Top Mobile App Distribution Platforms
Appcircle
Comprehensive mobile app distribution platform.
Supports self-hosted deployment and cloud options.
Provides Testing Distribution and Enterprise App Store modules.
Ideal for enterprises with complex security and distribution requirements.
IAM & SSO (OpenID & SAML) integration for secure access.
In-app updates.
Public links for easy distribution.
Apple Device Registration & Management [Ad Hoc].
Enterprise App Store for in-house app distribution.
Applivery
IAM/SSO (SAML Only) for secure access.
In-app updates & forced updates.
Applivery Account required.
Distribution via Public link is not available.
Firebase
Integrated with Firebase ecosystem.
Requires Google account for access.
Lacks SSO Support.
Crash reporting & analytics.
TestFairy
In-app feedback & bug reporting.
SSO integration for secure access.
Lacks LDAP Group/Role Mapping.
Auto update.
How to choose
your Mobile App Distribution Platform ?
Flexible Deployment Options
Every enterprise has unique needs and may require different deployment options, such as Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, or On-Premise solutions. Appcircle addresses these requirements with a portable, container-based architecture that supports flexible deployment while helping you avoid cloud vendor lock-in. Whether you choose to deploy on GCP Public Cloud, on-premise, or privately through the AWS or Microsoft Azure Marketplaces, Appcircle is built to meet your deployment strategy.
Distribution Speed & Security
Multi-region secure CDNs ensure your app builds are globally accessible with optimized performance, even in regions with unique internet regulations. With encryption at rest and in transit, your packages are distributed securely.
Built for Purpose
Distribution platforms serve various purposes, including Testing Distribution and deploying in-house apps to internal users via an Enterprise App Store. Appcircle provides dedicated modules tailored to each of these use cases.
IAM/SSO Integration
Comprehensive security with IAM/SSO integration, including Identity Providers such as Okta, Azure AD, and OneLogin, along with support for authentication protocols like LDAP, OpenID and SAML. The platform also supports IAM role mapping (through LDAP and SSO), enabling seamless role and permission assignments based on identity provider groups for enhanced access control.
Apple Ad-Hoc Device Registration
Streamlined UDID registration for Apple devices using configuration profiles. The platform automatically adds device UDIDs to provisioning profiles, simplifying device management for app distribution and testing.
Re-signing Binaries for iOS and Android Apps
Support for re-signing iOS and Android binaries enables developers to re-sign apps with new certificates (iOS) or keystores (Android), ensuring app integrity and security.
CI Integration
Seamless integration with existing CI/CD tools is supported. With ready-to-use plugins for Azure DevOps, GitHub, Fastlane, Jenkins, and more, along with API/CLI support, Appcircle Distribution can be easily integrated into your current CI workflow.
End-to-End Platform
Many distribution tools offer only limited functionality for tasks such as building and publishing to app stores. If you plan to leverage these features, ensure the platform provides robust, comprehensive modules for Build , Signing Identity Management, and Publishing to Stores to fully address your needs.
Appcircle
Applivery
Firebase
TestFairy
Continuous Integration Pipeline
Yes
No
No
No
Signing Identities Management
Yes
No
No
No
Re-Sign Binary Support
Yes
No
No
No
Tester Portal
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Tester Group Management
Advanced
Advanced
Basic, requires Google account
Basic
Enterprise App Store
Yes
Yes
No
No
Publish to Store Automation
Yes
No
Only Google Play
No
Public Link
Yes
Yes
Requires login with Google account
Yes
SSO (OpenID & SAML) Login
OpenID & SAML support
SAML only
No
SAML only
LDAP Group/Role Mapping
Yes
No
No
No
App Testing Distribution
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Deployment Options
Public Cloud, Private Cloud, On-premise, AWS (Amazon Web Services), GCP (Google Cloud Platform), Azure.
Public Cloud
Public Cloud
Public Cloud, Private Cloud (AWS), On-premise
Enterprise-Grade Logs/Reports
Yes
No
No
No
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the authors. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual or anyone or anything. This comparison is based on their review of the product for market research purposes
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FAQs
+What is a Mobile App Distribution Platform?
+How do I choose the right Mobile App Distribution Platform?
+What types of mobile app distribution platforms exist?
+Can I distribute both iOS and Android apps using these distribution platforms?
+How do I ensure the security of my app during distribution?
+How to handle app distribution for beta testing?
+What are the challenges or restrictions in app distribution?
+What are MDM/MAM alternatives for app distribution?
+What is the difference between Testing Distribution and Enterprise App Store?
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