Salesforce Mobile SDK 2.1

Salesforce’s Mobile SDK team recently launched its 2.1 version. The news comes just in time for the upcoming Dreamforce $1 Million Hackathon. Salesforce’s Mobile SDK recently posted the blog announcement earlier this month. The most recent version will enable more flexible capabilities for Android developers. The Mobile SDK team at Salesforce will also be present in Developer Zone at Dreamforce.

Developer Force

Mobile SDK is an entry point for developers who are creating an Android mobile app. Mobile SDK 2.1 is open-source. The SDK is now available for Force.com and Database.com developers. Salesforce Mobile SDK supports development of HTML5, hybrid and native mobile apps.

Android updates include SQLCipher to v2.2.2. The update will support Android 4.3 (Jellybean) and Android 4.4 (Kit Kat). Mobile SDK also includes functionality to merge Android Manifest files from its library. PasscodeActivity was also added. The 2.1 version features new functionalities and also library updates.

Mobile SDK also will support push notifications pilot registration. The  push delivery notifications will support connected apps. The SDK will also provide a convenient option to develop REST request for Salesforce uploading, downloading and file sharing. SmartSync for REST endpoints will enable custom endpoints such as REST APIs and Apex through Force.

Version 2.1 will also include new sample apps: FileExplorer and HybridFileExplorer. The other featured functionality, network libraries have Volley on Android. For Android developers, networking libraries will allow the configuration of advanced features. These configurations include network queue and cancellation requests.

Salesforce has $3 billion in annual revenue and growth rates. FY 2014, Salesforce revenue expectations will be $3.82 billion to $3.87 billion. Deferred revenue was $1.86 billion, up 35 percent from a year ago. Unbilled deferred revenue was up 39 percent to $1.8 billion in the quarter. Services revenue in the quarter was $49.18 million and subscription and support sales came in at $785.5 million. Salesforce’s new "be a customer company" tag line” was presented in big data, mobile, social and cloud.

The SDK economic current market outlook supports hundreds of thousands of mobile developers. Developers are still faced with challenges such as supporting applications, design and marketing areas. The demand for higher quality SDK vendors, functionality and platforms is growing. Salesforce efforts are aimed to make SDK a convenience for its developers. The upcoming conference will benefit developers with tools and support.

Developers can check out Salesforce’s Mobile SDK Developer Guide and tutorials on Wiki.