Can Metro apps be created for internal / limited distribution?

Question

Is there (or will there be) a distribution channel with Windows 8 that allows Metro apps to be built for internal company use only, or for a select group of partners? Or is the app-store the only possible route?

Answer 1

The Primer for current Windows Developers on Microsoft's site indicates that for Metro apps,

Side-loading is available for enterprises and developers.

So, yes, you can side load applications, but it's currently limited to individual developers and enterprise customers.

The TechNet article on Managing the Windows Store provides more details:

Sideloading, which is available in both Windows 8 Consumer Preview and Windows Server “8” Beta, refers to installing apps directly to a device without going through the Windows Store. LOB apps do not need to be certified by Microsoft and cannot be installed through the Windows Store but they must be signed with a certificate chained to a trusted root certificate. It is recommended that IT administrators use the same technical certification that is done by the Windows Store on LOB apps.

The TechNet Article on How to Add and Remove Apps provides the specifics on how to sign and side load applications on Windows 8 and Windows Server 8.