Skip to main content
U
Umanoff
Inspiring
March 14, 2014
Question

Trouble with o.t.a. distribution from a secure server

  • March 14, 2014
  • 2 replies
  • 3553 views

I've been successfully deploying, over-the-air, an iOS app that I developed for a client. I'm using my client's own Enterprise Developer credentials.

I've been doing tests from my own http server, housing all of the requisite files there (.plist, .ipa, and of course the html page that carries the download link); and also from a combination of servers: a secure one holding the html, re-directing to another, un-secure, server holding the .plist and .ipa.   All's well with all of this.

But I run into trouble when I move everything to a secure server. There, the html opens properly, but on attempt to download (by tapping on the same link that works on my un-secure server), I get a "Cannot connect to <server name>"

I've changed the URL in both the html and .plist to reflect the new actual https:// address at the secure site. The site certificate seems to be valid and recognized. Another tester has also had the same problem when trying this for me.

Does anyone have any idea what this might be about?  Should the manifest .plist be carrying any certificate info?

This topic has been closed for replies.

2 replies

U
UmanoffAuthor
Inspiring
March 14, 2014

I've traced the prob down to this: if the .ipa sits on a secure server then the download fails. Doesn't matter where the .plist or html files sit: secure or unsecure. Still looking for ideas about this.

Colin Holgate
Colin Holgate
Inspiring
March 14, 2014

With iOS 7.1 you have to do OTA from a secure server, but also the certificate has to be real. I don’t think that self assigned certificates work. At least they don’t from our server.

The only options are to either use one of the many services for creating a real certificate, or just do your testing from an HTTP server to iOS 7.0 devices.

If you want to drag the IPA on to an iOS 7.1 device, you can do that, but it would need to be by using Xcode 5.1, and not 5.0.

I’ve been pestering our IT guy to fix the certificate on our server. If he gets around to it, and it fixes the issue, I’ll let you know.

U
UmanoffAuthor
Inspiring
March 14, 2014

Thank you Colin, but my problem is NOT iOS 7-specific. And our server's certificate is valid and recognized.

Colin Holgate
Colin Holgate
Inspiring
March 14, 2014

How are you building your files? I use this Mac app:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/betabuilder-for-ios-apps/id415348946?mt=12

I just drag the IPA on to that app, type in the final URL for the files, and it builds all the files needed. I usually have the server mounted on my desktop, so I can build the files straight into the right folder. Sometimes though that can lead to permissions issues, and I have to repair those. A way around the permissions issues is to build to a local folder and then FTP up to the server folder. I think that works with less risk of messing up the permissions.

After the first time with any given app I can then just pick it from the Recent menu, no need to even drag the IPA file onto Beta Builder.

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices