Factorial IT can deploy apps from four different sources. This page helps you pick the right one for each app and shows what each source can do on each platform.

Overview

Choose the source based on where the app comes from:

• Managed Software. A curated catalogue of popular apps, packaged and maintained by Fleet. You do not handle any installers.
• App Store apps. Apps from the Apple App Store, sent to macOS and iOS / iPadOS through Apple's Volume Purchase Programme (VPP).
• Custom software. Your own installer packages: internal tools, enterprise builds, or anything missing from the Fleet catalogue.
• Google Play Store apps. Managed apps for Android, delivered through Android Enterprise and Google Play.

How to choose

1. Start with Managed Software for common apps such as Slack, Zoom or Chrome. Fleet packages them and keeps the installer current.
2. Use App Store apps for anything published on the Apple App Store, and for every app on iPhone and iPad. Licences come from VPP.
3. Use Custom software for internal tools, enterprise builds and anything not in the Fleet catalogue. You upload the installer and keep it updated yourself.
4. Use Google Play Store apps for Android. Apps come from managed Google Play and install in the work profile.

What each capability means

• Auto install: the app goes onto every targeted device with no action from the employee.
• Self-service: the app appears in the Self-Service portal, and employees install it when they want it.
• Zero Touch: the app is installed during zero-touch deployment, before the employee first uses the device.
• Keep installer updated: the stored installer is replaced when a new version comes out.
• Auto patch: devices that already have the app get updated.

Compare by platform

Notes on the table:

1. App Store auto install (macOS, iOS, iPadOS) is handled by Factorial IT, not natively by Fleet. Once you turn it on, install requests go out at the device's next sync.
2. Windows .exe / .ps1 and Linux .deb / .rpm / .sh / .tar.gz need a custom osquery detection query. Factorial IT suggests one from the software name. Check and correct it before you save.
3. Self-service on iOS / iPadOS opens from the portal's web URL, not from a desktop app. Put it on the Home Screen with the Web Clips control and its Add the Self-Service web clip option.
4. Android updates come from Google Play. Apps always install at their latest version, and installed apps follow Google Play's own auto-update settings. Factorial IT does not set or enforce these updates.
5. Android apps are not listed in the Factorial IT Self-Service portal. Employees get them from the managed Google Play store on the device.

BYOD exception. Devices enrolled through user enrolment with a Managed Apple Account are outside the software installation journey, self-service included.

Track what is installed

After an app targets devices, follow its progress in three places:

• The Software tab of the device drawer.
• The count columns of the software table.
• The Devices tab on the app's software page.

Troubleshooting and FAQ

Troubleshooting

An App Store app set to auto install has not appeared yet. Install requests are sent at the next device sync. Give the device time to check in.

A Windows or Linux custom app always looks missing or always looks installed. The detection query is probably wrong. Edit it so it matches the app's real name on the device.

An employee cannot find an Android app in the Self-Service portal. Android apps are not listed there. The employee installs them from managed Google Play on the device.

A BYOD iPhone gets no apps. Devices enrolled with user enrolment and a Managed Apple Account are not covered by software installation.

FAQ

1. Which source should I try first?
   Managed Software. Fleet packages the app and keeps the installer updated.
    
2. Can I deploy a .ipa file automatically?
   No. Custom .ipa apps support none of auto install, self-service or Zero Touch.
    
3. Who controls Android app updates?
   Google Play. Factorial IT does not configure or enforce them.
    
4. Where do I see whether an app reached a device?
   In the device drawer's Software tab, the software table's count columns, or the Devices tab of the software page.