Privately distributed apps

  • Release version: Xanadu
  • Updated August 1, 2024
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Privately distributed apps

    Privately distributed apps enable ServiceNow customers to distribute branded Android and iOS applications outside of public app stores, using private or enterprise distribution methods. This approach supports internal deployment and control, leveraging Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems or direct downloads.

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    When requesting both Android and iOS apps simultaneously, delivery aligns with the longer iOS timeline of 2-4 weeks. Customers with urgent deadlines are advised to request the Android app first, complete testing and branding approval, and then submit the iOS app request. Alternatively, customers can use existing ServiceNow Store mobile apps to test workflows and functions while waiting for their branded app, minimizing final testing to branding, login flows, push notifications, and app store listings.

    iOS branded apps for private distribution

    ServiceNow’s branding program follows Apple’s recommended practices and provides a guided process for iOS app branding and distribution. To distribute privately, customers must enroll in Apple Business Manager and may require a valid Apple Customer DEP ID. This setup allows publishing directly to Apple Business Manager via the ServiceNow instance, enabling distribution through MDM vendors or redemption codes.

    Testing is supported through Apple TestFlight, and ServiceNow assists with resolving any Apple review rejections. The iOS app publishing process typically requires 2-4 weeks due to Apple's manual review.

    Android branded apps for private distribution

    The branding program also aligns with Google’s best practices, offering a streamlined process to request branded Android apps. Customers receive APK and AAB files which can be uploaded to MDM portals, Managed Google Play, or hosted for direct downloads. Android app builds are faster, usually completed within a week or less, sometimes in just a few hours.

    Private or enterprise distribution can be used to distribute Android and iOS branded applications. Private distribution includes all means of distributing apps outside of public app stores.

    Important:
    • If you select iOS & Android as your Operating System (OS) when you request your branded mobile app, all builds are delivered to you at the same time. This means that both your Android and iOS apps are delivered to you within the privately distributed iOS delivery timeline of 2-4 weeks.
    • If you have an implementation date deadline within weeks, it's suggested that you request the Android app first, test it, and approve its branding. Then submit your iOS app request.
    • Another way to expedite delivery of your branded app is to test the mobile workflows and functions using the mobile apps that are available on the ServiceNow® Store while your branded app is being built. Your branded app uses all the same workflows and mobile app functions as the apps that are available on the ServiceNow Store. Then when your branded app is available, you only need to test the branding, the login flow for pre-filled instance URLs, push notifications, and the app store listings.

    iOS branded apps for private distribution

    The ServiceNow® branding program complies with the suggested practices from Apple for branded app releases. The program gives you a guided path to achieve your branding goals.

    Depending on your distribution model for an iOS deployment, you must have signed up for Apple Business Manager to use the Apple VPP program or have a valid Apple Customer DEP ID, or both. This enables you to use your ServiceNow instance to publish an app to your Apple Business Manager on your behalf. Apple then allows you to distribute the app to your employees with your Mobile Device Management (MDM) vendor or by using Apple Business Manager store redemption codes.

    When you use Mobile Publishing for iOS private distribution, you can then test the mobile app using Testflight. ServiceNow also resolves any rejections from Apple when the application is reviewed.

    The following image explains the workflow for privately distributing an app. Privately distributed branded iOS apps take 2-4 weeks until you can deploy them. This is due to Apple's review process that involves human reviewers.
    Figure 1. iOS branded app publishing process for private distribution
    Private publishing process for iOS branded apps

    Android branded apps for private distribution

    The ServiceNow branding program complies with the suggested practices from Google for branded app releases. The program gives you a guided path to achieve your branding goals. Using Mobile Publishing, you can request a branded Android application and receive both APK and AAB files. These files can then be uploaded to your MDM portal or your Managed Google Play account. These files can also be hosted on a website so that Android users can download the application directly onto their devices.

    The following image explains the workflow for privately distributing an app. It usually takes about a week or less to build the Android branded application. Sometimes it might take only a few hours.
    Figure 2. Android branded app publishing process for private distribution
    Private publishing process for Android branded apps