Middleware

Overview Middleware is the "glue" that connects diverse computer systems. Typically, legacy systems store information in proprietary formats, use propriety protocols to communicate, and may even be running on hardware that's no longer manufactured or supported. What happens when that 20 year old system needs to be integrated with a modern Web application? What types of tools are available? Read about how middleware solves these and other problems at the links below.

General Information Definitions of middleware can be found at webopedia.com and http://middleware.objectweb.org. Read What is Middleware? for an overview of middleware in non-technical terms. General information about middleware and its uses in higher educational facilities can be found at this Interent2 web page. Sorting out Middleware and The Middleware Muddle are two excellent articles detailing the risks and rewards of various middleware technologies. The Middleware Glossary can clear up any confusion about terminology or definitions.

Specific Technologies Certain technologies were developed specifically to act as middleware, other technologies found their way into the field when software developers found ways to adapt them to middleware uses. Follow the links below to learn more about specific middleware technologies.

• SOAP is one of the best known protocols for communicating among diverse systems. Developed by the IETF as a standard interface between diverse operating systems, it's been proven to be a solid platform for middleware development. An overview of SOAP, including quotes from various Web pages and software vendors, can be found here. If you'd like to read a technical description of SOAP, read SOAP version 1.2. Also check out Microsoft's SOAP page.
• Whereas SOAP is primarily a communications protocol, Java EE bills itself as a full fledged multiplatform application development platform. Sun System's Java EE page contains information, overviews, and technical details about the Java EE platform. Sun has even designed a tutorial. The Server Side is a site dedicated to Java Enterprise development, and contains links to technical articles, reviews, and general Java information.
• SNMP is also used for middleware development, although its primary use is as a network communications and management protocol. Find links and information about SNMP at www.SNMPLink.org. An overview of SNMP can be found here. Learn about SNMP and how to apply it in this tutorial.

Additional Links Read about a variety of commercial middleware applications at this Knowledgestorm page. This page at Carnegie Mellon's Software Engineering Institute has information about middleware technology and links to technical articles. Read The State of Java Application Middleware to learn about Java and middleware.