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App Distribution Methods
Choose whether you want Salesforce to manage the release of your branded app, or if you want to manage the release of the app on your own.
Choose your App Distribution Method before choosing your App Distribution Type.
| Distribution Feature | Fully Managed | Binary Upload | Binary Handoff |
| Best For... | Organizations that are not familiar with the app stores and prefer Salesforce to handle the entire process. | Organizations that are familiar with the app stores and want flexibility and control over their app's store listing, release schedule, and testing of new versions.. | Organizations with in-house Apple and Google expertise, specific security protocols requiring internal code signing, or established processes for manual app submission and prior mobile app management. |
| App Build | Salesforce builds the app binary. | Salesforce builds the app binary. | Salesforce builds the app binary (.ipa or .aab) and delivers it to you. |
| Code Signing | Salesforce handles all code signing. | Salesforce handles all code signing. | You have full control. Your organization re-signs the app binary with your own distribution certificates and private keys. |
| App Store Listing & Metadata | Salesforce manages all store listing information (screenshots, etc.). | Salesforce manages all store listing information (descriptions, etc.). | You have full control. You submit and manage all store listing information. |
| Upload to App Stores | Salesforce uploads the signed app binary to the store. | Salesforce uploads the signed app binary to your store account. | You have full control. Your organization is responsible for uploading the re-signed binary to the app stores. |
| Submission for Review | Salesforce submits the app for final review and handles the release lifecycle. | You have full control. You're responsible for submitting the app for review. | You have full control. You're responsible for submitting the app for review. |
| Release Management | Salesforce manages the release of the app to your users after Apple/Google has approved it. | You have full control. This allows you to use advanced app store features like choosing your own release schedule and performing staged rollouts. | You have maximum control over the entire submission and release process. |
Binary Handoff Distribution Method
If you choose Binary Handoff, Salesforce builds the application binary file (.ipa for iOS or .aab for Android) and delivers it directly to you. Your organization is then responsible for re-signing the binary with your own signing certificates and submitting the app to the Apple App Store and/or Google Play Store. This method provides the maximum level of control over the final app signing and submission process. It’s ideal for orgs with specific security protocols or established internal processes for distributing mobile applications that require them to handle the final signing and upload to the app stores themselves.
Binary Upload Distribution Method
If you choose Binary Upload, you’re responsible for submitting App Store listing information, submitting the app for review, and releasing the app to your users. After you invite Salesforce to your App Store’s accounts and grant access to the credentials, Salesforce uploads the app to your account. Salesforce then manages your app branding assets and app updates.
This distribution method is ideal for orgs who already have apps in the app stores and are familiar with how the app stores work. You can take advantage of App Store features like staged releases.
Fully Managed Distribution Method
If you choose Fully Managed, Salesforce builds and uploads your app to your App Store’s accounts after you grant access to the credentials. Salesforce then manages your App Store listing information, app branding assets, app updates, and releasing the app to your users.
This distribution method is ideal for orgs that aren’t familiar with the app stores and its complexities.
- Advantages of Binary Upload and Binary Handoff Distribution Methods
If your org is familiar with how the app stores work, the Binary Upload and Binary Handoff Distribution Methods have many advantages for managing the release of your app on your end.
