PowerApps and AppSource Questions

[SeanHenderson]

Hi,

I was hoping someone could clear things up about PowerApps and AppSource for me. 

Can I create a canvas app for any purpose and publish it to AppSource, or does it need to be an add-in for Dynamics, Office, or Power BI? What's the difference between an app and a solution? Are all apps on AppSource built in PowerApps? Is anything on AppSource mobile?

I basically want to build a business app, with both web-based capability and mobile, and then publish it out for others to use.

Any clarification would be very much appreciated!

[Pstork1 · Accepted solution]

1) Yes you can create and submit either PowerApp canvas apps or model driven apps to AppSource. It does not have to be an add-in specific to Dynamics.

2) Solutions are a way you package one or more apps and supporting files for distribution and installation. YOu will package your app as a solution as part of the process for submitting it to AppSource.

3) I don't believe all Apps distributed via AppSource are PowerApps, but it is the recommended way to build apps for AppSource going forward.

4) Yes, you can deliver an app via AppSource that is a mobile canvas App

Check this documentaiton on the process for publishing your app on AppSource. It will provide a lot more answers for your questions.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/developer/common-data-service/publish-app-appsource

[v-monli-msft]

Hi @SeanHenderson ,

We now support PowerApps Test Drive solutions on AppSource.com as a way for you to share apps with customers, and generate leads for your business. 

For more information, please refer to:

https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/appsource-test-drive/

On mobile, you could install PowerApps application and then you could access all the apps you created inside PowerApps.

Regards,

Mona

[SeanHenderson]

@Pstork1 Thank you so much that is very helpful.

So say I wanted to create a mobile canvas app that collects data from a field service worker who doesn't have an O365 account (not what I'm trying to do, just making up an example). Could they get the app from AppSource? One of the properties listed is "aquire using" but they all seem to say "work or school account."

Also, for this hypothetical canvas app, wouldn't it need to be a model driven app to package it as a managed solution? Aren't solutions part of D365? 

The fundamental idea is building a canvas app that could be used by anyone and sharing it with the public by putting it up on AppSource, the same way you would publish an app on Google Play. I know there is a 5 step submission process, but is Microsoft approval the only issue? This seems like a way to share canvas apps outside your organization.

[AndiRodi]

hi @v-monli-msft 

just a simple question. What does it mean to put a solution or specifica app canvas o model-driven into AppSource?

What kind of benefits does my company offer?

We are Microsoft partner and we are starting to work a lot with powerapps. One of the topics that was asked to me is to investigate how to insert the PowerApps apps in the Microsoft AppSource Marketplace and what kind of benefits can get back my company.

Difference between Solution and App?

Thanks.

Andi

[Pstork1]

1) Primary benefit will be reputation.  Simple useful apps you add to App source will demonstrate to other potential customers what you can do with PowerApps

2) I believe its possible to create a subscription to an app when adding it to App source so your company can charge for things they build

[JuChen]

Hi @Pstork1, thanks for your reply.
May I know for PowerApp Canvas App, how to publish it? Because with reference to 4 steps of your link, it seems need to build zip file by "Configuration Migration tool", and this is for Model-driven apps in Dynamics 365, not for Canvas App.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, and kindly share more information on steps how to publish PowerApps Canvas app into AppSouce, for public/external users to download, it seems only support Dynamic model driven apps, rather than Canvas Apps.

Thanks for your advise in advance. 😃

Regards,

Ju

[Pstork1]

The steps for publishing the App to AppSource are included in the link I referenced in the previous post.    Here it is again.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/developer/common-data-service/publish-app-appsource