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083: Review app provisioning strategy

Implementation Effort: Medium
User Impact: Medium

Overview​

An app provisioning strategy defines how your organization will deliver required business apps, optional apps, web links, and app updates to managed Android devices. In Intune, the choice is not only which app to deploy, but also which delivery model gives you the best lifecycle, security, and user experience. For Zero Trust, the preferred pattern is to deliver apps through governed channels, pair them with the right app configuration and app protection settings, and avoid unmanaged sideloading. The strategy should also separate required apps from optional apps and define who owns packaging, testing, and retirement.

Implementation Guidance​

  1. Inventory all mobile apps by type: public store app, private store app, internally packaged line-of-business app, or web app/URL shortcut.
  2. Prefer Managed Google Play for public Android apps and consider private apps in Managed Google Play instead of raw APK distribution when possible, because it simplifies lifecycle and version management.
  3. Use required assignments for must-have baseline apps and available assignments for optional tools. Reserve uninstall assignments for well-controlled retirement scenarios.
  4. Pair the app deployment plan with app configuration policies, app protection policies, and compliance/Conditional Access expectations so the secure experience is complete on first launch.
  5. Roll out in phases: pilot group, early adopters, then broad production. Track install success, sign-in issues, and version drift before moving to the next phase.
  6. Document app ownership, change control, and support responsibility so critical apps are not left without a business or technical maintainer.

Reference​