> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lumos.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is the AppStore?

The Lumos AppStore is a self-service catalog where employees request access to the apps they need for work. This article explains what the AppStore is, how it provisions access, and how to build it.

## Why do you need an AppStore?

Companies use many apps for work. At work, getting an app usually involves creating a ticket. Then there’s an approval process, emails to be sent, follow-ups, logging in to create accounts, etc.

**Without an AppStore, the process for getting apps is time-consuming and manual.**

The Lumos AppStore lets employees request apps through a self-service workflow without sacrificing security and compliance.

## How does the AppStore provision access to apps?

Lumos **discovers all of your company’s SaaS apps** and **integrates with your IdP** to provision access to your apps. *See [Activating Your Lumos Account](/kb/integrations-3/reference-1/activating-your-lumos-account)*

After requests are approved, requesters can automatically get access to an app tile in your IdP, which often automates downstream workflows.

For apps that can’t be auto-provisioned, app admins can still create accounts manually and confirm in Slack when they're done so that requesters are notified and an audit trail gets created for every request.

The AppStore provides **auditable self-service workflows where employees can get approved access to apps without IT involvement.**

## How do you build the AppStore?

You don’t need to be a developer to add apps to your AppStore. Select the apps that you want to add, then add the approvers and admins.

You can also customize the AppStore. For example, you can hide GitHub from the Sales team or customize the request instructions for Salesforce.

To launch before you add *all* of your apps, **enable Custom Requests** to make Lumos a single pane of glass for all of your app requests right away and grow your AppStore over time. *See [Enabling Custom Requests](/kb/appstore/configuring-your-appstore/enabling-custom-requests)*

The Lumos team works with you to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your rollout.

## More resources

The following guides cover every step of the AppStore rollout process.

* [Adding Apps To Your AppStore](/kb/appstore/configuring-your-appstore/adding-apps-to-your-appstore) **-** Everything you need to know about how to add apps to your AppStore.
* [AppStore Configuration Settings](/kb/appstore/configuring-your-appstore/appstore-configuration-settings)- An in-depth reference on the various AppStore configuration settings that are available to tailor your workflow to your use case.
* [Rolling Out Your AppStore](/kb/appstore/appstore-rollout-guides/rolling-out-your-appstore)- Steps to encourage AppStore adoption during your rollout.
* [AppStore Rollout Communication Templates](/kb/quick_start_guide/appstore-1/appstore_explainers_for_new_employees_new_to_appstore/appstore-rollout-communication-templates) - Templates to create and personalize your AppStore announcement.