Middleware (distributed applications): Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Provides services for the various components of a distributed system}}'''Middleware''' in the context of [[distributed application]]s is [[software]] that provides services beyond those provided by the [[operating system]] to enable the various components of a distributed system to communicate and manage data. Middleware supports and simplifies complex [[distributed application]]s. It includes [[web server]]s, [[application server]]s, messaging and similar tools that support application development and delivery. Middleware is especially integral to modern information technology based on [[XML]], [[SOAP]], [[Web service]]s, and [[service-oriented architecture]].
{{short description|Provides services for the various components of a distributed system}}
{{About|distributed applications|middleware in general|Middleware}}
 
'''Middleware''' in the context of [[distributed application]]s is [[software]] that provides services beyond those provided by the [[operating system]] to enable the various components of a distributed system to communicate and manage data. Middleware supports and simplifies complex [[distributed application]]s. It includes [[web server]]s, [[application server]]s, messaging and similar tools that support application development and delivery. Middleware is especially integral to modern information technology based on [[XML]], [[SOAP]], [[Web service]]s, and [[service-oriented architecture]].
 
Middleware often enables [[interoperability]] between applications that run on different operating systems, by supplying services so the application can exchange data in a standards-based way. Middleware sits "in the middle" between [[application software]] that may be working on different [[operating system]]s. It is similar to the middle layer of a [[Multitier architecture|three-tier]] single system architecture, except that it is stretched across multiple systems or applications. Examples include [[Enterprise Application Integration|EAI]] software, telecommunications software, [[Transaction Processing System|transaction monitors]], and messaging-and-queueing software.
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Middleware can help software developers avoid having to write [[application programming interface]]s (API) for every control program, by serving as an independent programming interface for their applications.
For [[Future Internet]] network operation through traffic monitoring in [[Network management|multi-___domain scenarios]], using mediator tools (middleware) is a powerful help since they allow [[Telecommunications service provider|operators]], searchers and [[service providers]] to supervise [[Quality of service]] and analyse eventual failures in [[telecommunication service]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Kai Oswald Seidler |url=http://www.fp7-moment.eu/ |title=MOMENT |publisher=Fp7-moment.eu |access-date=2010-08-19}}</ref> The Middleware stack is devised of several components (CSMS, TV Statistics & Client applications). It is known as the software brains of OTT platforms as it controls and interconnects all the components of the solution. The Content and Subscriber Management System (CSMS) is the central part of the solution commonly referred to as an administration portal. Apart from being the main interface for operator personnel to administer the TV service (Subscribers, Content, Packages, etc.) it also controls the majority of TV services and interacts with streaming & CDN and DRM serves to deliver Live, VOD and recorded content to the end users. It also integrates with external systems for billing, provisioning and with EPG and VOD content providers. Client applications authorize the CSMS and communicate with it, to provide required TV services to the end users on different devices. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Pirtovsek |first=Nino |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Guide to OTT Technology For Network Operators |url=https://www.uniqcast.com/blog/ott-technology-guide-network-operators |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208133529/https://www.uniqcast.com/blog/ott-technology-guide-network-operators |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=Uniqcast}}</ref>
 
Finally, e-commerce uses middleware to assist in handling rapid and secure transactions over many different types of computer environments.<ref>Charles, J. (1999). [https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/login.jsp?url=%2Fielx5%2F2%2F16523%2F00762786.pdf&authDecision=-203 Middleware moves to the forefront] {{subscription required}}. Technology News. Retrieved March 2, 2009.</ref> In short, middleware has become a critical element across a broad range of industries, thanks to its ability to bring together resources across dissimilar networks or computing platforms.
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* [[Comparison of business integration software]]
* [[Middleware Analysts]]
* [[Service-oriented architecture]]
* [[Enterprise Service Bus]]