Apps Application Deployment Without Market

[KenHayes]

Hey, all. We are a software developer, specializing in ERP software for small manufacturers, and we are in the process of developing a suite of Android apps for manufacturers to process transaction out on the shop floor, like inventory bar code scanning. Since our app is very specialized, not something just anyone can use, and since our licensing model turns on the module throught the DB server, are we required to deploy through the marketplace, or can we simply control deployment of the APK through our distribution department?

Thanks

 

[EarlyMon]

You can distribute it privately, no problem.

Android includes a user-configurable option to allow installation of apps from non-Market (aka Play Store these days) sources.

Depending on the make, model and OS revision, the option will appear under the main Settings, and then typically either under Applications or Security from there.

Best option is to install via the sd card, either by browser download or drag and drop while connected to a PC. From there, the user navigates to the file using a free tool such as EStrongs File Explorer, taps the apk file, and follows simple prompts to complete the installation.

 

[uwe]

The advantage of installing it from the Market is that your app will auto update when you release a new version.
And you don't need to change these security settings to allow the download of your app if it comes from the Market.