title: Google App Engine vs Firebase
body: <p>I am trying to decide which option to go with. (or another if it is better)
  This is for a messaging type app where there will be high volume of notifications and database writes.</p>
  
  <p><strong>Option 1</strong> - Google App Engine using Cloud Endpoints and Cloud Datastore<br/>
  Pros:<br/></p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>Able to build out an API the way I would like.</li>
  <li>Scalable</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>Cons:<br/></p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>More work implementing a notification system. (Which will end up being Firebase Cloud Messaging)</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p><strong>Option 2</strong> - Firebase<br/>
  Pros:<br/></p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>Able to use the Firebase Database, Firebase User Authentication, Firebase Cloud Messaging(notifications)</li>
  <li>Detailed use statistics for all devices<br/></li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>Cons:<br/></p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>No API</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p><strong>Option 3</strong> - Would it be possible to combine Google Cloud Endpoints and Firebase?</p>