Many iOS applications require the use of external data in order to display current information. For example, a weather application would be useless without having recent forecast information to display to the user. These types of apps typically make HTTP requests for data from online services, which often implement a REST based API. In this session we will discuss some of the concepts behind designing a REST based API, then illustrate an implementation using Spring MVC’s powerful REST support. On the client side, we’ll utilize Apple’s iOS SDK to demonstrate how to make RESTful requests and consume data for presentation to the user.

The modern web no longer is limited to desktop browsers. Smart phones and tablets have become an integral part of our daily lives. Web sites that may look good on a 22" monitor usually do not format and display well on a much smaller screen. Additionally, network speeds can limit the performance of a web site on mobile devices. Because of these reasons many developers and organizations are considering how to make their web sites accessible to all the various devices and screen sizes for which people are using. In this session, we will explore the functionality provided within the Spring Mobile project, and how you can use it to extend your Spring MVC application onto mobile and tablet devices.