.net to Android Noob?
<p>I am a total noob at android development coming from a c# .net background and I am looking to put together my first app.</p>

<p>I am looking to create an Android app that will interface with an MS SQL Server database for tracking sales leads. This is currently being done from an internal web app.</p>

<p>At this point, I am kind of looking for a good starting place. I have installed Eclipse, the Android SDK etc., and have whipped out a "Hello World". I guess my first question is what is the best way to access the data in MSSQL from Android? Web service to XML/JSON? Are there any libraries available for connecting directly to MSSQL? Whichever route I take, the connection will be made across a VPN between the phone and the internal server(s).</p>

<p>Also, the idea I have for the UI, I'm thinking will be similar to the "Flixster" movie app <a href="http://downloadandroid.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/TopAndroidMarketAppFlixsterMoviesHome.png" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Tabs across the top will execute pre-defined queries. Each row of the returned list will have a thumbnail, a header, and a summary for the sales lead. BY selecting an item from the list, the user will be able to update/maintain the sales leads. Are there any template based "controls" available that would allow me to define the layout for each returned row? How about the tabs across the top?</p>

<p>Sorry for the long post! Many thanks in advance for any pointers!</p>
