The top 10 reasons to use Updraft

We often get asked why anyone would use Updraft if there are tools available from Apple, Google and Microsoft already. What are the advantages of Updraft? Why should you use Updraft to deliver your betas instead of going with Testflight or the beta testing features of Google Play? Or are you looking for a Hockeyapp alternative? In this blog post, I’m going to list the 10 most important advantages of Updraft compared to other solutions, which should hopefully clear things up a little:

 

Number 1: Continuous Integration

Updraft has an open API that allows you to integrate the services directly from your IDE or CI. Use our Updraft Gradle or Fastlane Plugin to automate your deployment process or just have a look on how to integrate Updraft in your Teamcity or Gitlab workflow. Also you can use the command line to upload your builds to Updraft or develop your own plugin.

 

Number 2: Your data stays your data

Updraft doesn’t touch your data. We know that data integrity is of utmost importance for most companies. All your data on Updraft is securely stored on our Swiss Servers. Updraft fulfills the strict Swiss Data Privacy Laws completely and is compliant with GDPR.

 

Number 3: Security

Security is of highest priority for Updraft. Updraft uses end-to-end data encryption as well as SSL for uploading and downloading your apps. All uploaded apps are encoded and stored on our Exoscale cloud servers. During the download your apps get decoded.

 

Number 4: No roadblocks for your testers

To simply test an app, your QA or your beta-testers are not required to register or have unnecessary accounts. Simply add your testers by email and send them the app you want them to test. Also: no G-Mail required, even if your app is an Android app. Updraft let’s you send builds to any email address.

 

Number 5: Simplify the feedback process

You want Feedback from your testers? Simply integrate the Updraft open source SDK for your iOS or Android app and you will receive feedbacks and bugs reported by your testers in the easiest way possible. You can manage and prioritize ALL received feedbacks and bugs in one simple dashboard - no matter whether the feedbacks come from iOS or Android. 

 

Number 6: Focus on the future

Testing on old builds and receiving feedback about things you already fixed is annoying. To avoid getting unnecessary feedbacks just implement the Updraft SDK (see links above) and enable the auto-update functionality. As soon your testers open your app the system will check if there is a newer app version available and notify the user accordingly. Don’t lose time dealing with the bugs of the past - keep your users up to date!

 

Number 7: Stay agile

You are working agile and deploy several builds on a daily basis? No worries, Updraft provides you an easy to use overview of all your uploaded builds and you can easily send yourself an old build for regression testing. Updraft enables you to keep an organized build history.

 

Number 8: Hassle-free access

Annoyed to constantly send yourself emails to download your app? Updraft makes accessing your latest builds as easy as possible - just scan the QR-Code and get a link to install your app. Or use the handy slack integration to get installation links right into your favourite collaboration tool.

 

Number 9: No-Nonsense pricing from free to reasonable

There are three simple options:

• Use Updraft for free: As long as you don’t need more than one project or more than 500MB of storage, you can use all features of Updraft completely free of charge.

• More builds, more projects, more everything? The model is simple: You pay $5 a month for every additional GB of storage you need.

• For everything else we are open: Get in touch and we’ll see how we can help. Be it with new features, a custom UI, you name it. Shoot us a mail at info@getupdraft.com

 

Number 10: Exciting things to come

Because we not only develop Updraft but use it ourselves every day, we are constantly improving it. We are already excited for the next major update! If there is something specific you'd like us to ad or change: We always have open ears and inboxes for our users. 

 

Of course there are plenty more reasons to use Updraft. See for yourself and register here!