Two Distribution Methods
In this post, we will discuss the two distribution methods that DeployGate offers - “Distribution to Members” and “Distribution by Link.”
Choosing the Best Distribution Method
DeployGate offers two ways to share apps.
- Distribution to Members
- Distribution by Link
Please select the most appropriate method, which may depend on the development phase or the type of tests you wish to perform.
Distribution to Members
The distribution to members method is designed for internal distributions to a team’s developers and QA testers.
Users must be registered with DeployGate in order to receive distributions.
Features
The following operations are possible using the distribution to members method.
- Manage members’ app installation permissions
- Install previous app versions
Because members must log in to their own DeployGate accounts, apps can be distributed more reliably and securely to specific individuals. When a developer uploads an update, members immediately receive a notification and can install the update.
::: tip Notifications vary by device type Notifications are sent through the app on Android devices, while they are emailed to the registered email address on iOS devices. :::
Members can download past versions that have been uploaded. This lets QA testers independently troubleshoot errors resulting from app updates, including triaging bugs and validating operations. Please visit here for more information on how to distribute to members.
::: caution Limits to add members vary by plan
- Indie Plans and Corporation & Organization Plans (Startup, Business, Large Business) can add an unlimited* number of testers (who only have app download privileges).
- On Enterprise Plans and Flexible Plan, accounts with tester privileges are managed by the Enterprise, so they count towards the contract’s user license limits. :::
Distribution by Link
The distribution by link method is designed for external use by QA testers, beta testers, and others who are not part of the development team.
Features
The following operations are possible using the link distribution method.
- Create an installation link for only a specific version of an app
- Distribute apps to individuals without a DeployGate account
Testers can download an app as long as they have the link or QR code, so no account is needed. Furthermore, you can create multiple links, each with a different version to be distributed. This allows you to create and manage links for different purposes.
The number of installed devices using the distribution page does not count towards a plan’s “number of Users” limits.
Comparison Table
| Distribution to Members | Distribution by Link | |
|---|---|---|
| Security | 😃 Only invited users can download | 😰 Anyone with a link can download You can set a password to restrict access You can set a limit for the number of devices able to download the app |
| Visibility | 😃 Can view and manage download information - users, time/date, device (device ID, OS, etc.) | 😰 Can manage device information (OS type, OS version, device type) but cannot view or manage users who download * You can view more detailed information for testers with DeployGate accounts |
| Version Management | 😃 Can download past versions | 😃 Can only download a specific version |
| Ease of Distribution | 😰 Relatively high barriers for testers, as all testers must register and have an account | 😃 Minimal barriers for testers, as they can simply launch the DeployGate app (Android) or use their camera (iOS) to scan a QR code and download |
| Price | 💵💵 Except for Enterprise Plans and Flexible Plan, members can be added for free, as long as they are on a download-only tester account*. | 💵 No effect on price *** Depending on the plan, there may be a limit to the number of links that you can create |
| Ideal Use Scenarios | If developing apps as a team and conducting tests with specific members | If distributing to people outside the project team, such as for alpha and beta testers |
- The ability to add members varies by contract and plan type
On Enterprise Plans, all users, regardless of their roles, count towards the contract’s user license limits. On all other plans, members who are testers (with only download privileges) are complimentary.