Privately distributed apps

  • Release version: Yokohama
  • Updated January 30, 2025
  • 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. This private or enterprise distribution method supports delivering apps directly to employees or users via Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions or other controlled distribution channels, ensuring secure and customized app deployment.

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    Key Features

    • Simultaneous iOS and Android delivery: When both iOS and Android apps are requested together, delivery follows the longer iOS timeline of 2-4 weeks.
    • Staged delivery option: To meet tight deadlines, customers can request the Android app first for quicker testing and approval, then submit the iOS app request.
    • Mobile workflows consistency: Branded apps use the same workflows and mobile functions as those available on the ServiceNow Store, allowing workflow testing using existing apps before branded app availability.
    • iOS private distribution process: Requires enrollment in Apple Business Manager with Apple VPP program or a valid Apple Customer DEP ID to publish apps via ServiceNow to Apple Business Manager.
    • iOS deployment methods: Apps can be distributed via MDM or Apple Business Manager store redemption codes, with the option to test using Apple TestFlight.
    • Apple review and support: The iOS app undergoes a 2-4 week human review process; ServiceNow assists in resolving any Apple rejections.
    • Android private distribution process: Customers receive APK and AAB files through Mobile Publishing to upload to their MDM or Managed Google Play accounts, or host for direct download.
    • Faster Android delivery: Android branded apps typically build within a week or less, sometimes in just a few hours.

    Key Outcomes

    • Secure, private deployment of branded ServiceNow mobile apps tailored for enterprise distribution.
    • Improved control over app rollout schedules, with options to expedite Android app delivery to meet deadlines.
    • Consistent user experience ensured by using standardized ServiceNow mobile workflows across branded and public apps.
    • Compliance with Apple and Google best practices for branded app releases, minimizing risks of rejection or distribution issues.
    • Enhanced testing efficiency by allowing customers to validate workflows using existing ServiceNow Store apps prior to branded app release.
    • Support from ServiceNow to navigate Apple’s app review process and resolve issues to ensure smooth iOS app deployment.

    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