What's a Java alternative to Google App Engine for developing iPhone Push Notification services?

Question

I'm a Java programmer who is working on an iPhone application. I'd like it to use Push Notification services.

I originally thought I could use Google App Engine to provide the payloads to Apple, but I see now that it won't be possible because App Engine doesn't support the low-level socket programming that is needed to communicate with Apple.

Are there any alternatives to Google App Engine that let me use Java?

In brief, I'm wondering if there is a free hosting platform that supports Java and Socket Programming

UPDATE - since writing this question I've written an app that uses Urban Airship to act as a middleman between GAE and APNS. It works just swell. There is an app engine issue on this - http://code.google.com/p/googleappengine/issues/detail?id=1164 if you'd like to follow, but personally I've decided that this isn't really something that GAE should be doing. Just use Urban Airship.

Answer 1

Urban Airship provide RESTful web services for sending iPhone push notifications. This cookbook example shows how to use it from GAE using Python; I assume this can be done in Java also.

Answer 2

Though as yet it's vaporware, keep an eye on App Notify as well. Urban Airship looks pretty cool, but doing the math in my head, I'd end up paying them hundreds of dollars a month for an app that I'd have a hard time selling for more than $0.99.

Answer 3

Like Justin said (thanks random evangelist), AppNotify is launching nearer to the end of this month. We're just finishing up a few admin screens and doing some final tests. The pricing will be better structured than Urban Airship, and with a much better interface.

If you want something in particular or more info, send me an email personally at [email protected]

We're using it to develop our own products, but if we've missed a corner case I'd like to know about it.

Good luck