TCP-based RPC server (Erlang or something similar?) for iOS/Android app communication

Question

I\'m building native mobile applications in both iOS and Android. These apps require \"realtime\" updates from and to the server, same as any other network-based application

Answer 1

Erlang is very well suited for your use case. I'd prefer using TCP over HTTP for the sake of saving battery life on the phone as you noted already.

Generally getting the communication between device and server up and running will be very easy. The protocol which you are using between the two is what will require most work. However writing protocols in Erlang is strikingly straight forward when using gen_fsm

You should checkout metajack's talk at the Erlang Factory which highlights his solution to a very similar use case for his iPhone game Snack Words.