Information engineering
Functionality

Middleware

Middleware

Places an easy-to-use application programming interface (API) between specific applications and the resources those applications require. In doing so, it makes disparate platforms and systems appear the same to an application, saving both time and money in systems development, whether client/server or Internet/Intranet.

Variously described as;

The glue that holds multi-tier applications together
The universal translator that masks the complexity of various systems from developers and business users
The critical plumbing that supports the flow of information around the enterprise.

[Database cartoon]

Functionality

Includes;

Data Access
- To multiple mainframe, LAN and desktop data sources from PC's, workstations, Web Clients, etc.
Data Movement
- Data integration through Replication and Bulk Movement to place data where it can be most efficiently and cost-effectively used and to ensure that all sites are in sync.
Middle-tier Servers
- Application integration employing messaging middleware to provide process-to-process interoperability, distributed transaction processing and distributed enterprise workflow.
- Internet/intranet integration through middle-tier component transaction servers providing a common middleware infrastructure, support for multiple component models and a fast, scalable execution engine.

In short;

Middleware enables IS to provide data and application access to all who need it, wherever they are, while still ensuring the integrity of those data and applications. It also enables transaction processing over the Web.

Ref: Middleware (1998, 1st Quarter) | Sybase

[Rev 18/10/98] © 1998 V/2-Com (Verhaart), P O Box 8415, Havelock North, New Zealand.