Enterprise App distribution for Windows Phone 8 - Does it require sideload licenses?

Question

So I'm a little confused. We are developing a Windows Phone 8 application but want to sideload it and bypass the store (it's for internal use). I've read all the documentation (at least I think all of it) that requires us to have an AET, Enterprise store, etc. But I'm a little confused on the Sideload Licenses.

Do I need to buy this (J7S-00005) license in order to sideload WP8 apps to devices? Or can I just get the certificate, put it on my secure site and download/install?

Thanks.

Answer 1

There are a few options:

• Company app distribution for Windows Phone 8
• Targeted app distribution (these are "hidden" in the store, but anyone that stumbles across the link can install it)
• Developer unlock and sideload on each phone

Coming in Windows Phone 8.1, from May 2014, It is reported that Windows Phone 8.1 devices (and 8.0 devices once updated) will be able to sideload apps in the same way that Windows Store apps can be on the desktop/tablets. To quote the relevant section:

[Microsoft will] grant Enterprise Sideloading rights to organizations in certain Volume License programs, regardless of what product they purchase, at no additional cost.

Other customers who want to deploy custom line-of-business Windows 8.1 apps can purchase Enterprise Sideloading rights for an unlimited number of devices through Volume Licensing at approximately $100.