App Center internal app distribution alternatives

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Internal app sharing is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and functionality of applications before their public release. With the upcoming discontinuation of Microsoft’s App Center, developers are looking for robust alternatives that streamline the distribution process and address common challenges faced during internal testing phases. This post explores the intricacies of internal app sharing, highlighting common obstacles and reviewing platforms designed to simplify the process.

The challenges of internal app sharing

Efficient internal app sharing faces several common obstacles that can slow down development cycles:

  • Complex distribution: Distributing new app versions to testers can be cumbersome, often requiring manual coordination and significant effort to ensure that everyone has access to the latest builds.
  • Technical hurdles for testers: The process of installing test builds (APKs for Android and IPAs for iOS) can be intimidating for testers who may lack technical expertise, potentially delaying the testing process.
  • iOS device registration: iOS development involves an additional layer of complexity where new devices must be registered with the Apple Developer Program before they can run test builds, a process that can be time-consuming and bureaucratic.

Streamlining with solutions

Addressing these challenges requires targeted solutions that can facilitate smooth and efficient app distribution and testing. Let’s look at a few.

Bitrise Public Install Page

(Our shameless plug) Bitrise introduces an innovative solution with its Public Install Page, a feature that allows for the effortless distribution of app builds. This tool stands out for its simplicity, enabling testers to download new versions of the app without navigating complex installation processes or having a Bitrise account. Note: All Bitrise CI users have access to the Public Install Page.

Key benefits:

  • Ease of access and distribution: Testers can download app builds directly from a web page, significantly reducing the barriers to entry for testing.
  • Automated build distribution: Integrates with Bitrise’s CI/CD pipeline, ensuring that the latest builds are always available for testing.
  • Streamlined communication: The automated notification to defined users and roles about the new build minimizes the need for manual communication. 
  • Broad testing pool: Since anyone with the link can install the app, it significantly expands the potential testing pool. 
  • Detailed build information: Presenting crucial details of the build (like filename, size, version code, etc.) on the page provides testers with clear insights into what they are installing. This can help in tracking issues or understanding the scope of a particular build.
  • Flexible accessibility control: For internal testing or sensitive builds, disabling the page ensures that only the development team or selected testers have access.

Firebase app distribution

Firebase App Distribution offers a streamlined solution for distributing both Android and iOS apps to testers. By integrating directly with your development workflow, it allows for the automatic sharing of new builds immediately after they are compiled. This platform simplifies the process for testers as well, offering easy installation without the need for technical expertise, and provides developers with feedback tools to gather insights directly from the testing phase.

Key benefits:

  • Cross-platform support: Seamlessly distribute apps across iOS and Android with minimal setup.
  • Real-time feedback: Direct integration with Firebase’s suite of analytics and crash reporting tools offers immediate insights into app performance and usability.

TestFlight and Google Play Testing Tracks

Apple’s TestFlight and Google Play’s testing tracks offer native solutions for beta testing, allowing developers to distribute pre-release versions of apps to a selected group of testers. These platforms facilitate an organized testing process, where feedback is easily collected and managed.

Key benefits:

  • Integrated testing environments: Both platforms provide a controlled environment for beta testing, ensuring that feedback is relevant and actionable.
  • Simplified tester management: Developers can easily invite testers and manage their participation within the platform, streamlining the administrative aspects of beta testing.

Conclusion

The right internal app sharing solution can dramatically improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your testing phase, leading to better app quality and a smoother development process. By leveraging platforms like Bitrise’s Public Install Page, developers can overcome common hurdles, enhance tester engagement, and accelerate the path from development to release.

Bitrise is currently the only CI/CD solution with integrated release management, streamlining the deployment process and ensuring seamless and efficient release cycles. If you’re a Bitrise user, you can start with Release Management today by adding your 1st release. Not a Bitrise user? Start for free today.

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