General
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What is VDP?
VDP is a platform which allows magazine publishers to easily create and distribute their content to the iPad without developing any code.
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How does VDP work?
VDP works on 3 basic levels, Content Import, Content Organize, Test & Publish. The platform consists of several tools; VDP Manager for creating or editing a magazine, VDP Viewer for testing, VDP Portal for managing all issues and VCDN for hosting.
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What do I need to get started?
To start with mobile publishing you need two things: First you need to download our free apps. VDP Manager (Mac OS X only) and VDP Viewer for iPad. Once installed you can start working on your mobile magazine and preview using VDP Viewer. Second you need an Apple Certificate to distribute your app on the App Store.
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What is an Apple certificate?
An Apple Certificate is part of the iOS Developer Program which provides an integrated process for developing and distributing iOS apps on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Every company planning to submit apps to the App Store must obtain a certificate.
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Which iOS Developer Program is right for me?
Apple iOS Development has 4 available programs : Individual, Company, Enterprise and University. Users planning to submit a magazine app should apply as Company.
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How can I get an Apple certificate?
Users are able to apply directly from Apple's web site. No third party involvement is required. Start the application procedure here at developer.apple.com
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What is iTunes Connect?
Users planning to submit apps to the App Store need to set up an account in iTunes Connect in addition the Apple Certificate. iTunes Connect is a suite of web-based tools that allows developers with the Agent role (the original enrollee accepted into the iOS Developer Program) to submit and manage apps for distribution on the App Store, check the status of contracts, set up tax and banking information, obtain sales and finance reports, and manage iTunes Connect users.
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What is a D-U-N-S number?
The D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit number that identifies business entities on a location-specific basis. Assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), the D-U-N-S Number is widely used as a standard business identifier. Companies planning to get an Apple Certificate must apply and obtain a D-U-N-S number.
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What is Newsstand?
Newsstand is part of the App Store, basically an application which organizes and makes it easier to find magazines and newspapers for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users. Newsstand also allows free subscriptions.
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Newsstand App or Regular App, which is right for me?
For publishers using VDP Newsstand is usually a good choice. This way publications are easier to find and magazines can offer free subscriptions. Though not as common a standalone app also has its advantages like publishing several magazines within a single app. Unless this is the case for you we recommend publishers to take place within Newsstand.
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How do I choose an app name?
There are several tips when naming an app however with a magazine app it's usually best to go with the original publication name. This way it's always easier to have your readers search and find your content.
Installation
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Which App(s) do I need to get started?
You need 2 apps; VDP Manager on your Mac and VDP Viewer on your iPhone/iPad. Both apps are fully functional and free to download. You can download VDP Viewer form the App Store and VDP Manager directly from our website here
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Why do I need two different apps?
Users need two apps, one to create and organize and the other to preview before publishing content to the App Store.
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What can I do with the free apps?
Using VDP Manager and Viewer Apps you can easily create and organize your iPhone and iPad magazine, add interactivity using our built-in widgets (audio, video, slide, image, scroll, etc) and further enhance reader experience with HTML5. VDP requires absolutely no coding or development knowledge, its easy to use interface allows editors directly access the latest in mobile publishing and even market their content using our push notification server. Thanks to VDP mobile publishing is easier than ever.
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How long can I test the apps?
Users can test both Manager and Viewer apps as longs as needed. Both apps are fully functional without a time limit.
Publishing
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How do I publish my magazine on the App Store?
To publish an app for the first time users need to go through an application procedure set by Apple. Thanks to VDP and our highly skilful development team application submission is very easy. All users need to do is help us configure the app including design, layout, app info and our developers will take care of the rest. As soon as content (magazines) are ready for submission a binary file will be provided and sent to Apple by our team. After Apple's approval your app is ready on the App Store with all downloadable content.
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How long does it take for an app to be published on the App Store?
This depends on Apple's review process. All applications and updates must be approved by Apple. Usually this takes at least 4 business days up to 2 weeks.
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How do I publish new issues to the App Store?
Publishing with VDP is really simple. Normally there would be several steps but we worked hard to make this procedure as painless as possible. When your magazine is ready for publishing just click Upload in VDP Manager and our servers will take care of the rest.
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How long does it take to process a new issue?
None! Another great feature VDP offers, there's absolutely no cue or time lost when submitting a new issue. Your issue will be ready to download as soon as you upload to VDP Servers.
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When and how do I submit an update?
All update procedures are handled on our side so editors can keep focus on enhancing content. Updates are based on several aspects sometimes design enhancements, feature add-ons, configuration updates or sometimes a simple bug fix. Regardless of purpose, updates are organized and submitted to the App Store by professional VDP developers in coordination with publishers.
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Can I use VDP for publishing content other than magazines?
Yes, using VDP's advanced content delivery infrastructure users are able to publish almost any content on VDP including Annual/Financial Reports, Creative Portfolios, Photo & Video Content, Corporate Presentations and more. For further questions on specific content distribution needs please contact support@vdpmag.com
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How many magazine can I publish within a single app?
Clearly one of the most distinguishing features of VDP. Users are allowed to submit unlimited magazines within a single magazine app, including all back issues.
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Can I preview my work (magazine) before I publish to the App Store?
Yes, users are able to preview magazines using the Viewer App. VDP Viewer is tailored specifically for previewing content before publishing to the app store. This way editors have the chance to fully test and develop an engaging magazine experience.
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Can I create animations in VDP without using HTML5?
Yes, users can create basic animations and transitions using VDP Manager's built-in animation component. VDP allows users to address basic transition needs which work natively within your app therefore reducing loading time and crashing issues.
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Which orientation is best for mobile publishing, horizontal or vertical?
This really depends on your type of content but since most VDP users are magazine publishers it's easy to say portrait is more commonly used. However this isn't necessarily the correct answer. Depending on the desired reader experience editors might use either layout.