Google backend for cloud applications available

Having been introduced at Google's I/O conference, the Mobile Backend Starter is now generally available. Behind the name is a Java-based backend for mobile cloud applications that runs on Google's App Engine and a client-side framework for Android. The product is mainly intended for developers who don't want to write custom backend code. If it does require modification, the source code is available on GitHub under an Apache 2.0 licence.

Introducing Mobile Backend Server at Google I/O.

The Backend Starter includes a server that stores data via App Engine, a client library, and an Android sample application. The release announcement says that it also allows developers to integrate Google's cloud messaging and authentication mechanisms and supports queries that run continuously on the server, automatically feeding updates to the client.

Conceptual diagram of the Mobile Backend Starter
Source: Google Cloud Platform Blog

While product Manager Brad Abrams describes the Mobile Backend Starter as a "one-click deployable, complete mobile backend", one glance at the implementation and customisation instructions indicates that a little more effort will be required, at least to begin with. Further information can be found under "Getting Started" on the project's web page.

(djwm)