Businesses have to run different systems together to work efficiently in digital transformation processes. Middleware software is a solution that provides automatic data flow by providing integration between these systems. It ensures that business processes are more harmonised and increases efficiency. In this blog post, we will examine the benefits and usage areas of middleware software.
What is Middleware with an Example?
Middleware is cloud services that provide interaction and data flow between different applications, systems and databases. It serves as a link between applications and data. In this way, it provides uninterrupted communication between systems and regulates data flow. It helps developers and operators to build and deploy applications more efficiently.
Let’s explain the middleware concept through an example:
- Example: E-Commerce Site
Imagine an e-commerce site. This site requires different systems to work together:
Web Application: The front end where users view products, add them to the basket and make purchases.
Database: The system that stores data such as product information, user accounts, orders and inventory.
Payment Processing System: The system where payments are made by credit card and other payment methods.
Logistics System: The system that manages the processes where orders are taken from the warehouse and sent to the customer.
- Role of Middleware
Middleware is used to enable these systems to communicate effectively with each other. Here is how middleware works in this example:
Data Flow: When a user purchases a product, the web application saves this information in the database. Middleware enables data exchange between the web application and the database.
Payment Processing: When the user makes a payment, the web application sends the payment information to the payment processing system. Middleware ensures that the payment process is carried out securely and smoothly.
Logistics Management: After the payment is confirmed, the order information is transmitted to the logistics system. Middleware coordinates the correct processing and delivery of the order to the customer.
How Does Middleware Work?
Middleware allows developers to connect to application components, devices, data sources, or computing resources without creating custom integrations every time.
It functions by enabling different applications and services to communicate over common messaging frameworks such as JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), REST (Representational State Transfer), XML (Extensible markup language), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) or web services.
These common messaging systems used in data transfer processes facilitate data exchange and integration between different applications. Thus, it makes it possible for applications developed in different programming languages to interact with each other.
What are Middleware Components?
Middleware consists of a combination of the following components:
- Management Console: provides an overview of middleware activities and configurations.
- Common Messaging Framework: Middleware software uses messaging services such as SOAP, JSON, REST to communicate with applications, services.
- Client Interface (application interface): The application communicates between databases or systems.
- Middleware Internal Interface: Helps related components to work in harmony.
- Platform Interface: Ensures that software is compatible.
- Contract Manager: Determines the procedures that applications or systems must follow during data exchange.
- Session Manager: Creates highly secure communication channels between middleware and applications.
- Database Manager: This component integrates different databases.
- Runtime Monitor: Middleware continuously monitors data flows and provides reports to developers.
Middleware Types
Middleware has many types according to their intended use. Some are orientated towards specific connection types, while others are orientated towards specific application components or applications. Some middleware types combine special capabilities for specific development tasks. Some of the common middleware types are as follows:
Application Programming Interface (API)
API Middleware provides tools that enable developers to create, serve and manage APIs. In this way, other developers can easily connect to these APIs. API gateways, API management platforms are examples of API middleware.
Message Oriented Middleware (MOM)
MOM makes it possible to communicate for exchanging messages between application components that use different messaging protocols. MOM can translate or convert messages between different applications. In addition, it ensures that these messages reach the right components in the right order.
Object Request Broker (ORB)
Object Request Broker (ORB) software enables requests from an application object to be fulfilled by another object or component in the distributed network. In this process, the ORB acts as an intermediary in forwarding requests.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Middeware
RPC allows one application to execute a procedure on another application, whether on the same computer or on a different computer or network, as if both applications were part of the same system.
Database Middleware
Database software facilitates access to and interaction with back-end databases. Typically this type of software functions as an SQL database server.
Device Middleware
It offers integration and connectivity capabilities for developing applications for a specific mobile operating system. This software enables the creation of applications compatible with mobile devices.
Application Integration Middleware
Enterprise application integration enables businesses to integrate different systems and applications.
