Question

I would like to create a native ipad application that displays data fetched from a webserver. The application should be able to fetch tabular data, schedule things on the webserver and receive alerts

I suppose i could do the following

For fetching tabular data, use a single webservice call (will this work? what should be data interchange format? are there limitations to the data payload?)

For receiving alerts, would a persistent connection strategy work be the best way and are there better alternatives that i can tap into natively?

What remoting mechanisms are supported natively?

I have glassfish/spring setup.

Thanks

Answer 1

Having no idea of the data makes it hard to answer.

A successful method applied by many is the web service method, with simple query when the app loads, or is used, and fall back to show data that was loaded last time it had a connection.

If the data is time sensitive, this is more of a dilema.

You could simply note the last refresh time. If your app will be used primarily in the office, this might suffice.

Having a refresh button is a must.

The only reason to think about a persistent connection is if you want some form of server push. That is, do you need the server to inform the device of updates. Use cases for this are things like “chat”.

Otherwise a timer asking for updates from the server is the way to go, since it is SO much easier to develop.