Android Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM)

Android Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM) helps developers send data from servers to their applications on Android devices. Google Developers describes the service provides a simple, lightweight mechanism that servers can use to tell mobile applications to contact the server directly, to fetch updated application or user data. The C2DM service handles all aspects of queueing of messages and delivery to the target application running on the target device. Google Developers Android SDK is available for developers conducting new development.

The CloudEthernet Forum (CEF) and MEF announced earlier this year the creation of the CEF ‘Open Cloud Project.’ The Open Cloud Project focuses on creating an open test and iterative standards development program for service providers, industry vendors and over-the-top (OTT) cloud service providers. The Open Cloud Project includes a dedicated proof of concept test laboratory based in Silicon Valley, to provide ongoing testing and support for the iterative development of the CEF’s CloudE 1.0 open cloud environment.

It is important today to have a foundation for future compliance and benchmark testing. “This is vitally important work if we are to avoid fragmentation of the cloud,” explains James Walker, CEF President and Vice President of Managed Network Services at Tata Communications. “Cloud services rely on the end to end interoperability of so many players – enterprises, network and datacenter equipment vendors, datacenter operators, orchestration layers, management and reporting platforms, security devices, network service providers – the list goes on. Development to the cloud industry is crucial, the CEF is taking the pioneering step of integrating testing into the standards development process right from the start.

“The industry faces a real challenge: simultaneously integrating three relatively new concepts – NFV, SDN and Carrier Ethernet – to create an open cloud environment,” said Jeff Schmitz, CEF Chairman and Executive Vice President of Spirent Communications. “Here’s a chance to test and standardize your cloud services with an initial focus on application performance management, cloud security and traffic load balancing. If you want to be involved in the future of cloud, the CEF is your chance to put your ideas to the test.”

The Android SDK provides users with the API libraries and developer tools necessary to build, test, and debug apps for Android. For the new Android developer, Google Developers recommends to download the ADT Bundle to quickly start developing apps. It includes the essential Android SDK components and a version of the Eclipse IDE with built-in ADT (Android Developer Tools) to streamline Android app development.