Backend server provider for mobile apps [closed]

Answer 1

Steffan's answer hits the core points, and there are some additional benefits to using a backend-as-a-service (BaaS) platform beyond simply having the infrastructure / DevOps side of things handled for you. (Full disclosure: I am an engineer at Kinvey, a backend-as-a-service provider).

• Many of these services provide RESTful APIs to access your data directly. Rather than spending time to roll your own (and reinvent the wheel yet again), you typically get your own data API baked in and ready to go.

• BaaS providers typically offer code libraries to simplify connecting to your API.

• It's often more than just application data. For example, at Kinvey, we provide large file (blob) storage as well. If you have any images, videos, etc, you can store them with zero setup.

• Some providers also offer analytics on your API usage - another wheel that you don't need to reinvent

• Partnerships with other providers: for example, Kinvey provides push notifications via Urban Airship

All together, it probably makes sense to take a look at BaaS to see if it can fit your needs.

Answer 2

As Steffen and Dave have said, one of the Backend as a Service providers might be up your alley. Most if not all of these platforms have fairly robust query systems so you shouldn't need to worry about sifting through extraneous information from the DB. I think Parse specifically walks through a use case exactly like the one you mentioned about pulling only x number of top scores from the DB.

If you absolutely need server-side code, StackMob allows for custom code hosting and I believe Kinvey is in beta for doing the same. I think StackMob only supports Java and Clojure for server code though, if that matters.

There's always a trade off between flexibility and ease of use, but depending on how much control you need over your data, these services can save you a lot of time without really degrading your app's functionality.