Support for different back-end data providers

[Simon]

The implementation in the sample app does seem to indicate that any back-end cloud service could be used with the sync framework but I can find no documentation anywhere on how that could be achieved.

For instance would it be possible to use the framework with Azure Mobile web services?

[Kiril Stanoev]

Hi Simon,

Thank you for your interest. For the moment we support only the Telerik Cloud Services. Azure Mobile Services is with high priority on our to-do list along with other cloud providers but for the moment we cannot bind to a concrete time frame. We'll let you know once we have something to share. 

Regards,
Kiril Stanoev
Telerik

[Simon]

Ok, good to know.
I've a tight deadline for an app and the Sync Framework looks like it could solve a lot of problems for me.

My only concern is as an indie developer the rates for Everlive's service (although awesome) are quite excessive in comparison to competitive offerings.  Trying to find a monetisation policy to fill the difference would be quite challenging until use picked up.

[Hristo Borisov]

Hi Simon,

Thank you for expressing interest in the cloud services offered by Telerik.

What is the exact storage amount in terms of outcoming bandwidth, data storage and files storage that you expect? The usual price points for a Backend as a Service (BaaS) offering per month start from $200. In this case the only exception is the Azure platform that comes with a very competitive offering in terms of storage and bandwidth, but is charging you a premium for the support which $29, $300 or $1000 per month.

Would it be possible to elaborate on the exact vendor you are currently looking at, so that we can sure we are providing you with the best possible services and price points on the market.

Thank you for trying our services, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Hristo Borisov
Telerik

[Simon]

As this is a new project and a first for me as an endeavour as an indie developer I have no specific frame of reference.

But as outward examples:

Azure offers a pay per use structure with MobileWebServices so I would only pay for specific usage, if one month is higher than another I would pay for only what I would use.

AppHarbour has a similar scale but a larger free bracket (Google app engine was the same until recently)

Based on the figures on the site, If I went over one month I'm instantly updated to a higher scale and until the usage peaked enough users on to the services I would likely be at a loss.

It's hard to say as an single man indie where the good point is as I have nothing to base it off.  There is little information out there for how to monetise cloud backed mobile applications other than maybe a subscription model (just paid apps is likely to be counter productive in the long term)

Obviously I'm just worried about how to fund the backend service until the user base picks up and picking the best backend platform thats scalable enough to meet my needs.

A lot of the bandwidth concerns will obviously depend on how efficient the cloud synchronisation framework is. if only changes are communicated then bandwidth will likely be very small, if large scale comparisons happen then the impact will obviously be larger. (obviously trying to keep traffic to a minimum)

[Deyan]

Hi Simon,

Thanks for writing back and please excuse us for the delay with our answer.

We will take into account the considerations you are sharing with us.

I will forward your thoughts to the teams responsible for the pricing and we will discuss them.

Let us know should you have further questions or need assistance.

Regards,
Deyan
Telerik