How to restrict application distribution to a group of users only via Apple AppStore?

Question

I'm a first time iPhone application developer and I'm developing application for my client who wish to distribute this application to a group of people related to his business only, and as FREE application only. This is such an application which is not meant for general users so we definitely don't want this application is publicly listed in Apple AppStore, rather we want to distribute application to group of people privately. Just like sending them a link to download application via email or something. They click on it and application get downloaded. But in Apple I read that two programs are available like Standard Program and Enterprise Program. The standard one will list application publicly which we do not want, and enterprise programs looks compelling for enterprise users connected to MS Exchange server which we do not posses and not even wish to setup because its not needed.

Can any one help me answer following? 1. If we go with Standard program, how can we restrict application to be visible via some AppStore link ONLY and we will send that link to our users via email. 2. If we go with Enterprise Program, can we do a simple setup over our Apache+PHP+Linux environment i.e. without involving MS Exchange server.

Thanks, Sameer.

Answer 1

One way around this is to submit your application to the App Store, but put it's availability date in the future.

Then, you can create promo codes and send them to the people you'd like to be able to download your application, but it won't show up in the store.

If you do it this way, you don't need to know anybody's UDID, but you're limited to 50 people per version of your application.

Answer 2

1. If we go with Standard program, how can we restrict application to be visible via some AppStore link ONLY and we will send that link to our users via email.

It is very simple: You can not. You can either manually distribute the App through AdHoc distribution (for this you will need the UDID of every single iPhone the app will be installed and afaik the the license runs out every year and needs to be renewed) or post it to the AppStore publicly but restrict access to your application by using an authentication within the App itself.

2. If we go with Enterprise Program, can we do a simple setup over our Apache+PHP+Linux environment i.e. without involving MS Exchange server.

Afaik I think this should be possible as you basically are just doing a huge AdHoc distribution, but without Exchange Server it might get a pain as you will probably also need the UDID. Yet honestly I never took any closer look at this program.

Answer 3

You can setup the app to require a password or hot corner when first run.

Answer 4

The Enterprise Program is your only viable option for a native iPhone App. Re-read the program details. It's exactly what you want.

If you deploy your App as a Web-App, you can skip this and simply deploy on the company website, so if you don't need native iPhone options, this might also be a viable way to deploy your program.

-t

Answer 5

You will need to qualify for the Enterprise Program: you'll need a minimum number of employees and a DUNS number. Read the Enrollment document for more information. Your situation (as described) does not sound like it qualifies.