Integration Middleware

What does Integration Middleware mean?

Integration middleware is the software that resides between two or more applications and performs the necessary transformations to enable them to exchange data. It provides a common communication Platform and facilitates data exchange, regardless of the underlying differences between the applications it connects.

Integration middleware typically uses a publish-subscribe model, where applications can publish messages to a central hub and subscribe to messages from other applications. This allows applications to communicate without having to know the details of each other’s implementation.

Integration middleware also provides a number of other features, such as:

• Security: Integration middleware can help to secure data exchange between applications by encrypting messages and enforcing authentication and Authorization rules.
• Reliability: Integration middleware can provide reliable message delivery, even in the event of network outages or Application failures.
• Scaling: Integration middleware can help to scale applications by providing a central point for managing data exchange between multiple applications.
• Monitoring: Integration middleware can provide monitoring and logging capabilities to help track and troubleshoot data exchange issues.

Applications

Integration middleware is used in a wide variety of applications, including:

• Enterprise Application Integration (EAI): Integration middleware can be used to connect different enterprise applications, such as ERP systems, CRM systems, and supply chain management systems.
• Business-to-business (B2B) integration: Integration middleware can be used to connect different businesses, such as suppliers, customers, and partners.
• Internet of Things (IoT) integration: Integration middleware can be used to connect different IoT devices and platforms.
• Cloud integration: Integration middleware can be used to connect different cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

History

The concept of integration middleware originated in the late 1990s, with the rise of enterprise application integration (EAI). EAI tools were designed to help businesses connect different enterprise applications, which were often developed using different technologies and operating systems.

In the early 2000s, integration middleware evolved to support B2B integration. B2B integration tools were designed to help businesses connect with their suppliers, customers, and partners, regardless of their technical differences.

In recent years, integration middleware has evolved to support IoT integration and cloud integration. IoT integration tools are designed to help businesses connect different IoT devices and platforms, while cloud integration tools are designed to help businesses connect different cloud platforms.