Understanding the Impact

With the retirement of Visual Studio App Center, the ability to sign in and make API calls has ceased. While this may initially seem daunting, there are robust alternative solutions available that can ensure the continuity of app development processes and enhance your capabilities beyond what was previously possible.

Transitioning to Alternative Solutions

Build and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

When considering alternatives for your CI/CD processes, two prominent options are Azure Pipelines and GitHub Actions. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your needs:

• Azure Pipelines: Ideal for those already integrated into the Azure ecosystem, Azure Pipelines offers extensive support for various languages and platforms. It excels in scalability and flexibility, providing robust tools for complex workflows and seamless integration with Azure services. However, it can be complex for smaller teams and might entail additional costs for larger projects.

• GitHub Actions: Best suited for projects hosted on GitHub, GitHub Actions provides a more straightforward and cost-effective solution. It integrates seamlessly with GitHub repositories, offering ease of use with its YAML-based configuration and a strong community-supported marketplace. While it offers a generous free tier for private repositories, it has resource limits that might affect very large projects.

Testing

For device testing, BrowserStack App Automate is a highly recommended alternative. Offering access to over 20,000 real iOS and Android devices, BrowserStack provides the Device Testing CLI to support migration from App Center. This ensures that your app testing remains thorough and reliable.

Distribution

When it comes to app distribution, there are established solutions for both iOS and Android platforms. Apple's AppStore and TestFlight serve as ideal options for iOS app releases, while Google Play and Google Play Console are recommended for Android applications. Azure Pipelines tasks can further facilitate these distributions.

For Microsoft Store applications, the Package Flights feature in Partner Center provides an effective distribution solution.

CodePush

To continue using CodePush, a special version has been developed that can be integrated into your app independently of App Center. Access the source code and documentation through a dedicated GitHub repository to ensure your hotfix deployment remains seamless.

Analytics & Diagnostics

Azure Monitor, in partnership with Azure Native ISV services like Datadog, Dynatrace, and New Relic, provides comprehensive analytics and diagnostics capabilities. These services offer deep insights from your mobile app to backend infrastructure, enhancing your monitoring capabilities.

Seeking Support

During this transition, remember you are not alone. Our support team is ready to assist you with any migration queries or technical challenges. 

Final Thoughts

While the retirement of Visual Studio App Center marks a significant change, it also opens the door to exploring new, powerful tools that can enhance your development capabilities. Whether you choose Azure Pipelines or GitHub Actions, embrace these opportunities and leverage the support available to ensure a smooth transition. By adapting to these changes, you can position your app development process for future success.