iOS Adding new Contacts to Address Book from XML file?

[mstadnik]

I would like to create an in-house application whereby the iPad application would be able to retrieve a list of Contacts via an XML (or TXT) file stored on a corporate server and import those Contacts directly into the standard iPad Address Book.

For example, I am visualizing the app to simply have a single button once the app opened that is labeled "Import My CRM Contacts", which when pressed would retrieve an XML file from our corporate server back down to the iPad, and consequently parse the list of the Contacts referenced in the XML file and add those Contacts directly into the common iPad Address Book.

The application would serve no other purpose than explained above. In essence, it would almost be a one-off app, possibly run once a quarter when new Contacts are assigned to our Reps.

But before I set off onto a long journey and then realize this is not feasible, I would be grateful if any members could save me the trouble upfront on feasibility. This is my first experience with the iOS SDK, so not familiar at all with its capabilities.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Mark

 

[dejo]

What you are requesting is certainly feasible, I think. But if you intend to distribute as simple an app as described above on the App Store, I suspect Apple would reject it for "limited functionality". I suppose if you were to just distribute it within your enterprise, you could consider the iOS Developer Enterprise Program, assuming your company would qualify.

 

[mstadnik]

Thanks dejo. As you've suggested, this will be an enterprise-only app and I've confirmed my company will qualify.

 

[wlh99]

What is your experience with app development?

I would suggest using an email account that offeres push contact syncing. I know Exchange does, and I think mobile me and gmail do as well. Importing a contact list into one of those clients is already supported, and they would push to the iPhone automaticly.

So, create a gmail account. Set up that account on the iPhone with contact syncing. Then, add the contacts to the gmail account via whatever tools gmail uses.