Managed Distribution is a core feature of Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM). These web-based portals enable organizations to purchase app and book licenses in volume and distribute them to their managed devices or users. The entire lifecycle of content—from procurement to assignment and revocation—is managed through the "Apps and Books" section within these services, which then communicates with a linked Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to perform the installation. Without ABM or ASM, an organization cannot access the volume purchasing and managed distribution framework.

A. An Apple Developer account is used by developers to create, test, and publish applications to the App Store, not for an organization to distribute them internally.

C. User acceptance is not a universal requirement. With device-based app assignment, apps can be installed without a user's Apple ID or an invitation, making it optional.

D. A VPN configuration provides secure network access but is not a foundational requirement for the Managed Distribution service, which operates over standard internet connections.

1. Apple Platform Deployment Guide. (March 11

2024). "Intro to app and book distribution." This source states

"Apple School Manager

Apple Business Manager

and Apple Business Essentials make it easy to find

buy

and distribute content in volume to meet your organization’s needs." This directly establishes ABM/ASM as the required platform.

2. Apple Business Manager User Guide. (March 11

2024). "What is Apps and Books in Apple Business Manager?" This guide defines the feature: "Apps and Books is a feature of Apple Business Manager that allows your organization to buy content in volume

assign it to devices or users

and then install and update that content using a mobile device management (MDM) solution."

3. Apple Platform Deployment Guide. (March 11

2024). "Choose a distribution method for apps and books." This reference clarifies why user acceptance is not always required: "Assigning to devices: When you assign apps to devices

no Apple ID is required on the device

and no invitation process is necessary."