What is Windows App Catalog? How does it help? Why is it important?
Before proceeding, let’s look at a scenario.
Jim, a salesperson from a SaaS company, is on a business trip to Australia carrying his sleek and chic Windows notebook. It is a company-owned device managed by its IT admin, Paul, who is stationed in San Francisco. Now, just before an important meeting, Jim requires around five new apps on his notebook. Another salesperson, Jack, on a trip to France, has a similar requirement but for five different apps. So does a marketing person, Johnny, attending an event in South Africa. As per organizational policies, none of them can install any apps directly to their company-owned Windows devices.
All different time zones, different app requirements, and all are priority. How does Paul resolve this application management challenge ASAP? Simple. Leverage the Windows App Catalog feature, an exclusive offering from Scalefusion UEM.
This blog will provide an overview of the Windows App Catalog and its significance in application management.
What is Windows App Catalog?
A catalog is a systematically organized list or record of items, often accompanied by descriptive details. In a similar vein, Scalefusion’s Windows App Catalog serves as a centralized space that houses a collection of apps. Here, IT admins can securely oversee and distribute applications to Windows devices used by end users. Windows App Catalog enables the creation of a tailored app store specifically designed for Windows device management. Administrators have the flexibility to establish catalogs of apps and categorize them according to their organization’s specific needs.
Previously, the Windows App Catalog exclusively permitted remote installation of O365 Apps. It is now available with expanded capabilities to encompass a variety of third-party apps. These apps are synchronized and accessible from the Scalefusion dashboard, allowing remote installation on managed Windows devices.
With Windows App Catalog, organizations can diversify app selection options by leveraging the rich assortment of over 500 available third-party apps. Admins can easily integrate these apps into the Scalefusion dashboard for a smooth installation process across a Windows device fleet.
How Does Windows App Catalog Help Organizations
Remember Paul, the IT admin we mentioned at the beginning of this? You can hereby relate the role of Windows App Catalog in helping organizations and their IT teams—one prime objective—streamline application management for Windows devices—desktops, laptops, or tablets. So, how does it happen? Let the benefits speak for themselves!
Benefits of Windows App Catalog
Centralized Management
The catalog provides a centralized platform for organizations to manage and organize their applications. This centralized approach simplifies the process of monitoring, updating, and distributing applications across the organization.
Remote Installation
The ability to install applications remotely through the Windows App Catalog enables IT administrators to deploy them efficiently on multiple devices without the need for physical presence. This is particularly useful for organizations with distributed or remote teams.
Third-Party App Integration
The Windows App Catalog enhances its utility by extending support to third-party apps. This means organizations can include a variety of applications beyond O365, meeting diverse application requirements without compromising on centralized management.
Synchronization with Scalefusion Dashboard
Integration with the Scalefusion dashboard further streamlines the app management process. The synchronized apps become readily available on the dashboard, providing a user-friendly interface for administrators to oversee and control application deployment.
Efficient Updates
The Windows App Catalog helps keep applications up-to-date by allowing administrators to manage updates centrally. This ensures all Windows devices within the organization are running the latest and most secure versions of the installed applications.
Consistent Application Environment
Organizations can maintain a consistent application environment across all managed devices through the Windows App Catalog. This consistency is vital for ensuring compatibility, security, and a seamless user experience.
Time and Cost Savings
The remote installation and centralized management features the Windows App Catalog offers contribute to significant time and cost savings. IT teams can perform tasks more efficiently, reducing the need for manual interventions and minimizing potential errors.
| See how the Windows App Catalog works on the Scalefusion dashboard. |
Time to Simplify App Management with Windows App Catalog
Windows App Catalog serves as a powerful tool for organizations seeking an efficient, centralized, and flexible approach to managing their applications, ultimately contributing to improved productivity and end-user satisfaction. It addresses the three basics of app management—discovery, installation, and updates.
Schedule a demo with our experts to see how Scalefusion’s Windows App Catalog can elevate your app management experience.
FAQs
1. What is an application catalog?
An application catalog is like a digital menu for your devices, listing available apps for users to download. It centralizes app distribution, making it easier for users to discover and install approved applications.
2. How do I enable an app catalog?
Enabling an app catalog is like opening a virtual store. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to create and customize the catalog, then distribute it to devices for users to access and install approved apps.
3. What are the benefits of an app catalog?
An app catalog benefits users by providing easy access to approved apps and streamlining app discovery and installation. It benefits administrators by simplifying app distribution, ensuring compliance with company policies, reducing unauthorized app usage, and enhancing security and control over app deployments.
