Google App Engine is more than a simple platform for application hosting and data storage. Google also provides a suite of services, ranging from messaging to advance task management and queuing. Because many applications hosted locally don't have robust services, most programmers aren't familiar with delayed tasking and message architectures.

In this O'Reilly Breakdown, Dan Pilone introduces how all of these services work in Google App Engine. You'll also learn when its best to send out an email or provide an instant-messaging style services, and why you might not want to implement these services.

The experts in the O'Reilly Breakdown live video series not only break down the concepts of difficult and complex subjects, they also demonstrate practical implementation and use. Each episode features an experienced programmer, developer, or software designer working on real-world challenges, ranging from iPad user interface design and multi-tasking on Android phones to caching in cloud-based applications.