Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner
In the evolving landscape of enterprise mobile application development, AWS Mobile Hub has emerged as a powerful tool that enables developers to construct, test, and manage mobile applications leveraging a wide array of AWS services. With its centralized console, developers can seamlessly integrate user authentication, data storage, backend logic, push notifications, content delivery, and analytics capabilities, all while enjoying extensive customization options.
As more developers tackle the complexities of enterprise mobility, there is a growing demand for robust B2C (business to consumer) and B2E (business to employee) applications that match the power, flexibility, and security of traditional desktop applications. Organizations seek to utilize their existing user directories and integrate with established CRM, sales management, accounting, and customer service platforms.
Today, we are excited to announce enhancements to Mobile Hub that introduce new SaaS integration features, specifically designed for developers creating these types of applications. This release follows our recent addition of AWS Lambda functions and Amazon API Gateway endpoints, which provide enhanced cloud logic for custom connector development. Both features work in tandem with our newly implemented enterprise user management capabilities for authenticating application users.
Enterprise User Management
We have made significant improvements to facilitate user authentication in B2C and B2E applications. For B2C applications, you can now create your own fully managed directory using Amazon Cognito, allowing for the integration of sign-up and sign-in functionalities, including multi-factor authentication (MFA). On the B2E front, users can authenticate using their existing corporate credentials, utilizing SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) to work with various directories, including Active Directory. For additional information, refer to the blog post on Mobile Hub User Authentication Using SAML Federation or Email and Password Sign-in.
When implementing either sign-in method, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) roles are automatically assigned to users. These credentials provide access to AWS resources and the new Mobile Hub connectors discussed below.
SaaS Integration
Many B2C and B2E applications require access to data housed within enterprise SaaS applications. Our new Mobile Hub connectors enable the development of applications that interact with commonly used objects (Accounts, Contacts, Leads, etc.) across platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Marketo, HubSpot, Zendesk, and QuickBooks. You can also execute queries to retrieve custom objects from these applications.
The connectors are structured as REST microservices implemented via AWS Lambda functions and accessed through Amazon API Gateway, ensuring straightforward configuration and execution. To commence usage, simply select the desired connector and input your credentials.
Requests to the connectors are managed through the API Gateway, allowing for auditing, request throttling to the SaaS application, and response caching. The connectors standardize SaaS applications, providing uniform and consistent objects within a category (such as CRM, marketing automation, customer support, etc.). Swagger 2.0 definitions for all REST APIs and reference mobile applications for each SaaS application are also included.
Behind the scenes, creating a connector initiates a process that utilizes an AWS CloudFormation template to establish IAM roles, API definitions, and Lambda functions.
You also have the option to build custom connectors using Mobile Hub’s Cloud Logic features, allowing you to enjoy all the previously mentioned benefits. Fine-grained access control can also be implemented; you can limit operations like PUT, POST, and DELETE on specific resource paths to a restricted set of application users.
For further details and to view the complete list of connectors, please visit the AWS Mobile Hub Developer Guide.
Available Now
These new features are now accessible, and you can start utilizing them today!
— Chanci Turner
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