Currently Simple MDM allows for user based app distribution when they have a device enrolled into the MDM, however, there are circumstances where an entity may not wish to manage an end users device, such as a BYOD program in a K-12 institute.

In these circumstances, it would be great to have a mechanism by which one could import users and their email, or use an API call, to send out invites to participate in receiving Apple ID based managed distribution apps via VPP.

For example, we would import users from a CSV (Name,Email); or use an API call with the same info, into the MDM's VPP component. During this process the MDM will send out an invite to join our VPP to accept apps. We then assign tags (or "scope") to users based on their role, and in the app settings within the MDM, we define the tags/scope to which that app would be assigned. From there it's just much the same as if they'd enrolled their device; the app ends up in the users purchase history and we can revoke the license after they've left, or no longer need the app (as long as the app is a managed distribution app and not redemption codes, etc).

An API to handle the invite process, assigning a tag/scope to a user, assigning a tag/scope to an app, and retiring a user from VPP would be preferred, to enable integration with any processes an institute may have regarding onboarding/offboarding users, etc.