If you’re looking for an alternative to Microsoft App Center, this article will cover the top considerations, and how Sauce Labs handles these in its Mobile App Distribution offering.
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As March 31st approaches, Microsoft App Center's sunset is leaving many development teams searching for a robust mobile app distribution solution. For teams responsible for building, testing, and releasing mobile apps, finding the right distribution tool isn't just a convenience—it's a critical component of an efficient software development lifecycle.
Modern app development teams face evolving complexities such as the fragmented landscape of iOS and Android platforms. Without a comprehensive distribution tool, teams are often left manually distributing apps, a time-consuming and error-prone process that can slow down innovation and testing cycles.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Microsoft App Center, this article will cover the top considerations and how Sauce Labs handles these in its Mobile App Distribution offering.
Version Control: The Backbone of Effective App Management
When evaluating app distribution platforms, version control capabilities are foundational The ideal solution should:
Provide seamless tracking of different app versions
Enable easy rollback to previous builds
Offer clear visibility into version history
Support simultaneous management of multiple platform versions
Sauce Labs Mobile App Distribution maintains a comprehensive history of app versions and all associated metadata. Each uploaded app is assigned a unique identifier, along with granular access controls for different app versions. Our app versioning documentation provides more information about app versioning, including display name, app/build separation, and more.
CI/CD Tool Integration: Streamlining Your Development Workflow
Your app distribution tool must play nicely with existing continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) tools. Look for platforms that offer:
Smooth integrations with popular CI/CD platforms like Jenkins, GitLab, and GitHub Actions
Automated build and deployment capabilities
Webhook support for real-time notifications
Comprehensive API access for custom workflow configurations
Sauce Labs integrates with all primary CI/CD tools. Most integrations support multiple testing frameworks and include official plugins or actions that simplify integration.
Security: Protecting Your Most Valuable Digital Assets
Cybersecurity threats are here to stay. At the minimum, your mobile app distribution tool must provide the following:
Role-based access controls
Multi-factor authentication
Detailed user permission management
Encryption for app builds and distribution channels
Compliance with industry security standards
These strategic safeguards protect sensitive applications and intellectual property and build trust with developers and end-users who increasingly prioritize security in their technology ecosystems. Sauce Labs’ private cloud provides a completely isolated environment for testing apps.
Why Sauce Labs Mobile App Distribution Stands Out
Sauce Labs offers a comprehensive mobile app distribution solution that addresses the critical challenges development teams face, including:
A unified iOS and Android distribution platform
Highly configurable access controls
Secure app version management
Precision in ensuring the right users access the correct app builds
The platform goes beyond simple distribution, acting as a strategic partner in your mobile app development ecosystem. As Microsoft App Center sunsets, development teams have an opportunity to upgrade their app distribution strategy. The right platform can transform app distribution from a logistical challenge to a strategic advantage.
Ready to explore and learn more about mobile app distribution solutions? Check out the Sauce Labs Mobile App Distribution product tour and discover how to streamline your app development workflow.
