Senangelo, Carl Adrian C.

ACTIVITY 5

BSIT 3-3 INTECH 3111

1) What is middleware (10 pts)?

Middleware is a type of software that provides common services and capabilities to

applications outside of what’s offered by the operating system. The data management,
application services, messaging, authentication, and API management are all commonly
handled by middleware. Also, middleware helps developers build applications more
efficiently. It acts like the connective tissue between applications, data, and users and it is
commonly characterized as the glue that connects different software platforms and
devices together.

2) Discuss the different types of middleware (20 pts).

 Database middleware is solely used to connect applications to one or more local or

remote databases. It does not send or receive calls or objects. While database-oriented
middleware is simple to set up and affordable, it lacks some of the functionalities offered
in more complicated software.
 Application server middleware is a Web-based application server that serves as a bridge
between browsers and legacy systems by providing interfaces to a wide range of
applications.
 Messaging-oriented middleware connects client and server programs, allowing data to be
sent back and forth on a regular basis.
 Messaging middleware transfers data between programs. If the destination computer is
unavailable, the data is stored in a message queue until the machine is available.

 Transaction-processing monitor is a piece of middleware that sits between a client

program and databases, ensuring that all databases are appropriately updated. It's a
 command program that coordinates data transport across several terminals and the
applications that service them.

3) When can a middleware become beneficial (10 pts)?

Mobile middleware hides the complexity of working in mobile contexts, allowing for
faster device-to-device interaction, mobile computing integration, and mobile app
development.

4) Discuss the challenges or disadvantages of middleware (10 pts).

 Not every firm can afford to maintain and increase the potential of Middleware due to
prohibitively costly development expenditures.
 Today's market has very few people with true Middleware experience.
 Benchmarks for Middleware have yet to be established, hence there are few benchmarks
for Middleware performance levels.
 Most Middleware tools are still in the early stages of development for best performance.
 Today, there are just too many platforms that are not yet covered by Middleware.
 Middleware can sometimes threaten the real-time performance of particular systems.