title: Do I need a web server or just a database?
body: <p>I'm new to webservices or databases on the web at all (I've used local databases). I'm developing an Android app based on google maps that needs to access my DB to save/request markers and it needs to access that database from thousands of devices (or I hope so).</p>
  
  <p>Do I need a web server for this so the application on the web can manage the database operations? or can I just call the database from every device? I guess the later is quite unsecure, but I really don't know anything about this matter.</p>
  
  <p>Also, for the answer, should I use Amazon Web Services or Google App Engine? I've read that Google App Engine is easier to deploy, but I don't know about my needs on this application.</p>
  
  <p><strong>EDIT 1:</strong> My app users need to save markers in the database. If Alice saves a marker in New York, Bob needs to see that marker too. Markers are not personal, they are global. Because of this, every user needs to access the same database.</p>