Do I need to write a separate server for the application?

Question

Android

Good afternoon!
I am writing an application that will have the following functionality:
- chat
- audio / photo / video transfer
- work with maps
- work with social networks The
question is: do I need to write a server or are there other means to implement the above functionality? In both cases, what means should be used?

Answer 1

There is a so-called. ready-made API servers. The so-called MBaaS
There is a long list here.
https://habrahabr.ru/post/277979/
To work with maps, there is a corresponding API inside Android, of course, if Google Maps is installed. Or through API maps.yandex.ru, maps.google.com, openstreet.
Chat/file transfer can be implemented without a server.
But much more convenient with the server. There are also corresponding MBaaS.