Google hopes to attract developers with cloud-based back-end kit

Google wants more developers to use its App Engine cloud service, and has launched Mobile Backend Starter to make it easier.

Running servers on top of a hosted environment to power mobile apps can be a bit of a headache, according to Google. With the introduction of Mobile Backend Starter the company hopes to lower the bar for developers.

Mobile Backend Starter includes everything developers need to quickly set up a back end for their app, Google said in a blog post on Monday.The package includes a server that stores data using App Engine and a client library for Android that handles the communication between the app and the App Engine cloud.

Developers can also add support for Google Cloud Messaging (GCM). To keep users' data secure, Mobile Backend Starter also includes built-in support for Google Authentication, the company said. Features made possible with Mobile Backend Starter allow users to store data in the cloud and access it from anywhere. In addition, data updated on one device is automatically available on all devices via GCM.

Google has published relevant documentation on its developer website.