title: Server Programming - Simple Multiplayer Game - Which protocol and technologies?
body: <p>I have a year's experience writing client code but none with server stuff. I want to restrain the question a bit so I'll simplify what I'm trying to achieve.</p>
  
  <p>I want to write server code such that two clients (Browser or iPhone / Android) can connect, when two player have connected they see a timer count down to zero. The clock would be synchronize on the server and the clients would be uniquely identifiable.</p>
  
  <p>The trouble here is with the word connect, what do people use for multiplayer games? Open a TCP socket for two way communications? You can tell I'm not really sure what I'm talking about. I was hoping to use AppEngine but I'm not sure if it's suitable as it's request based.</p>
  
  <p>I have some experience with Java and although Erlang sounds like the best choice this is something I just want to play with and push out fast so Java would be easier. I just need to know the best way to connect players etc.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks,</p>
  
  <p>Gav</p>