Targeted Application Distribution

1. What is Targeted Application Distribution?

Targeted Application Distribution is the process of releasing your application through App Hub while keeping it hidden on Windows Phone Marketplace. You can send the link to your application to a targeted set of users. Only those users who have the link to the application can install it.

2. What are the main advantages of submitting my application for Targeted Distribution?

Your application is hidden on the Windows Phone Marketplace. The application is not discoverable by browsing or searching the Windows Phone Marketplace. Only users who have the link to the application will be able to get to the details of the application and install it.

3. How do I submit my application for Targeted Distribution?

Submit your application through the App Hub application submission process. You will be taken through the standard submission process. At the end of this process you will see multiple publication options that allow you to choose how and when to publish your application after it passes certification. Select the As soon as it’s certified, but make it hidden option. This will make the application hidden on the Windows Phone Marketplace. The following screenshot shows the option that you should choose.

When your application has passed certification and is published, you will receive an email from the Windows Phone team containing the link to your application. You should send this link to your target audience. For a complete guide on submitting your application, see App Submission Walkthough. For answers to frequently asked questions about application submission, see Application Submission.

4. Is an application submitted for Targeted Distribution discoverable in the Windows Phone Marketplace?

No. The application is not discoverable by browsing or searching the Windows Phone Marketplace. Only users who have the link to the application will be able to get to the details of the application and install it.

5. Where can I find my application’s link to send to my users?

You can find the link to your application on the details section of the application page on App Hub. Copy this link and send it to all users who you want to install and use your application. An example of part of the details page for an application showing the Deep link is shown in the following figure.

6. Will anyone who knows the link be able to browse and acquire my application?

Yes. They will be able to see your application details and can acquire the application.

7. Can I control who can access my application by using an access control list (ACL)?

No. Applications submitted for Targeted Distribution can be accessed by anyone who has the link to the application.

8. Is there a limit to the number of people who can download my application that has been submitted for Targeted Distribution?

No. Anyone who has the link to the application can acquire it.

9. Is my application certified before it is published?

Yes. The submission process used for Targeted Distribution follows the same procedure as a regular application submission and the same certification takes place when you submit your application. For answers to frequently asked questions about application submission, see Application Submission.

10. Can I update my application?

Yes. To submit an update for your application, go to the lifecycle tab on the application page in App Hub and select the Submit an update action. This page is shown in the following figure. Users who have the application already installed will be notified of this update on their devices.

11. Is there a limit to how long my application is available in Targeted Distribution?

No. Applications can be in Targeted Distribution for an unlimited time.

12. Can I submit my application as a paid application?

Yes. Applications submitted for Targeted Distribution can be free or paid.

13. If I submit my application for Targeted Distribution, will it count against my submission credits?

Yes.

14. Can my application be unhidden on Windows Phone Marketplace such that it is available publicly?

Yes. Your application can be un-hidden from the Windows Phone Marketplace at any time. This can be done on the lifecycle page of your application on App Hub by selecting the Make application live action. An example of the lifecycle page for an application showing the Make application live action is given below.

15. How can I learn what users are saying about my application?

You can use the Ratings and Review data on App Hub to learn what your reviewers are saying about your application.

16. What other application distribution options are available to me?

For a list of the application distribution options available, see Application Distribution Options.

17. How do I get help if I have an issue submitting my app?

The App Hub forum provides answers to common questions and help for known issues. When signed in, you can post a thread if you need answers that are not already provided.

For further App Hub assistance, those that have App Hub memberships can use the Support e-Form in the Windows Phone Dashboard to submit a ticket to the Windows Phone Marketplace Support Team. Also check out the support resources in App Hub.

Note:
The Support e-Form is available only for assistance with submitting apps and games for Windows Phone Marketplace.