Swif's Self-Service Software Portal allows IT administrators to empower employees to install pre-approved software while maintaining centralized control. This feature ensures a secure and efficient way for employees to access the tools they need across desktop, browser, and mobile environments—reducing IT workload and streamlining software deployment.
How It Works
1. IT Admins Approve Software by Operating System
Admins have granular control over which platforms receive approved software. Rather than a blanket approval, admins can select specific operating systems (macOS, Windows, Linux, Android) for each application in the catalog.
2. Self-Service App Store Access
Employees can access approved applications across multiple endpoints:
Desktop App: Available on managed macOS, Windows, and Linux devices.
Swif Chrome Extension: Accessible directly within the employee's browser.
Employee Web Portal: Log in using organization email credentials (automatically mapped to your organization's domain without requiring manual invites). Admins can toggle to the employee portal via their profile icon.
Swif Android Mobile App & Google Play: On managed Android devices, approved Android apps appear directly in the Swif Android mobile app self-service catalog as well as through managed Google Play.
3. Easy Software Installation
Employees browse the Self-Service Software Portal for required tools.
With a single click or tap, IT-approved software installs directly onto their device without requiring administrative privileges or IT intervention.
Software Installation Behavior
When users initiate an installation from the portal:
Installation Queuing: Clicking Install immediately queues the request, disabling (greying out) the button to prevent duplicate submissions.
Installation Success: Once installed, the button remains disabled, indicating the application is installed and up-to-date.
Installation Failure: If an installation fails, the button remains disabled. Users should contact IT support to re-trigger or troubleshoot deployment.
Newer Version Availability: When a software update becomes available, the button becomes active again so the user can trigger the upgrade.
Key Benefits
Granular Platform Control: IT admins choose exactly which operating systems (e.g., Desktop vs. Android mobile) an app is published to.
Efficiency for IT Teams: Eliminates routine software request tickets.
Zero Admin Rights Required: Standard (non-admin) users can install approved software safely; Swif executes installations independently of user local privileges.
Cross-Platform Convenience: Uniform self-service experience across desktop, web extension, and Android mobile devices.
How to Configure the Self-Service Software Portal (Admin Guide)
Step 1: Approve Applications for the Catalog
Navigate to Device Management → Applications in the Swif Admin Console.
Locate the app you want to publish and open the Row Action Menu (
...).Select Approve for Store Catalog.
In the approval modal, select the specific target operating system(s) to enable (e.g., macOS, Windows, Android).
Click Approve. A confirmation toast will verify the catalog update.
Step 2: Remove Applications from the Catalog (Optional)
Open the action menu (
...) for an approved application.Select Remove from Store Catalog.
In the removal modal, select which specific operating system(s) to remove from the catalog and confirm.
Step 3: Ensure Client Software is Deployed
Desktop & Browser: Ensure the Swif desktop agent or Swif Chrome extension is installed.
Android: Ensure the device is enrolled in Swif MDM with the Swif Android app installed for catalog access and Google Play deployment.
Step 4: Notify Employees
Share instructions with your team on where to find the Self-Service Portal on their desktop, browser, or Android device.
Need help? Contact support at support@swif.ai or reach out through our Help Center.