Zoho introduced new enhancements in the Zoho Creator Developer Console. These updates strengthen private app distribution with improved licensing controls and introduce environment support for installed apps — enabling safer testing before production deployment.
What is Private Sharing?
Private sharing allows developers and partners to distribute applications directly to selected clients using their Zoho email address.
This is especially useful for delivering customized solutions to specific customers without listing the app publicly.
Why This Matters
Many partners prefer to distribute applications directly to clients and manage payments externally. Until now, there was no built-in way in Zoho Creator to control app access based on payment status or agreement terms.
This meant that even if a client stopped renewing their subscription, the app continued functioning in their account.
With this new enhancement:
Developers can define a clear license validity period.
Once the license expires, the app is automatically disabled.
Developers can fully block access if required.
This ensures the protection of intellectual property and the fair use of applications.
Additionally, there was no structured way earlier to offer apps for evaluation. With the introduction of the Trial License feature, developers can now provide a time-bound preview before final subscription.
Although private sharing already existed in Developer Console, the previous workflow had limitations. This update makes the process more robust, flexible, and partner-friendly.
How the New Flow Works
1. Evaluation
Developers can offer a Trial License to clients.
After adding the client and sharing the app with a trial license:
The client receives an installation email.
Once installed, the app becomes available in their Creator account.
The app remains active for the selected trial duration (15, 30, or 60 days).
2. Post-Evaluation
If no agreement is reached after the trial:
The application is automatically disabled.
It moves to read-only mode.
Clients can view existing data, but cannot create or edit records.
Developers also have the option to delete the disabled app (including its data) from the client’s account after expiration.
3. Subscription
If the client decides to proceed:
A Subscription License can be issued after completing the transaction through preferred channels.
The validity can be set between 1 and 36 months, or granted as lifetime access.
Once the subscription expires:
The app automatically shifts to read-only mode.
Developers can completely block access if necessary.
Access can be restored if the subscription is renewed.
These safeguards ensure clients cannot continue using the app beyond agreed terms, giving developers full control while payments are managed externally.
Steps to Share Applications with Clients
Navigate to the Clients section in Developer Console.
Click the three-dot menu next to the client name.
Select Share Application.
Choose the application and version.
Select the license type:
Trial License
Duration options: 15, 30, or 60 days.
Subscription License
Fixed validity (1–36 months)
Or lifetime access
Automated Notifications
With this update, automated email reminders are enabled.
Clients receive alerts about subscription status and expiry.
Developers are notified about license activity and upcoming expirations.
This ensures both parties stay aligned throughout the subscription lifecycle.
Environment Support for Installed Apps
Along with licensing improvements, distributed apps can now be added to environments.
Clients can:
Add installed apps to staging
Test changes safely
Publish to production after validation
Please note: Clients can test apps in environments, but do not receive development access. This ensuresthe developer's intellectual property remains protected.
Timeline
These enhancements are already live and available across all data centers.
Zoho believes this update provides greater control, flexibility, and professionalism when distributing Zoho Creator applications.
For more information, please visit pfc-group.com