Middleware Definition

The middleware definition is vague as it is used in a broad context. Essentially, it is a software that enables interaction between two incompatible entities. It could sit in between the operating system and application software or in the context of distributed systems, it could link two applications on different platforms. It can also be referred to as device driver software which lies in between the operating system and the hardware. Middleware facilitates services such as communication and data management between components in either end as opposed to providing business logic.

Middleware enables a seamless connection between device OS regardless of the version and the type, and the user applications. Hence, it is used to promote interoperability between legacy systems and newer versions of applications. When businesses digitize, there is a requirement to integrate the various aspects of technology to leverage the business needs. In enterprise systems, the heterogeneity of technology is high. It is made up of different hardware, operating systems, communication protocols. Thus, middleware acts as the ‘glue’ to bridge the gap between various hardware, applications, frameworks, tools, databases, and masks their differences.

What are the types of middleware?

These are some of the most commonly used middleware in the field of information technology.

• Database Middleware: Allows connectivity and interaction with a database from an application or between databases. It provides services such as log on to DB, requests information, process information. Examples include ODBS, JDBC.
• Object Request Broker Middleware (ORB): Enables software components to send objects and request services from a program in a distributed system. Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), .NET remoting, Common Object Request Broker Architecture are example implementations.
• Message Oriented Middleware (MOM): Infrastructure that facilitates communication between distributed applications or systems. Amazon Simple Notification Service, IBM MQ, and Google cloud pub are such products.
• Application Programming Interface (API): Framework for building APIs which allow primary applications to request services from a secondary application of which the implementation is unknown to the primary application.