Middleware: The Second Layer of IT Infrastructure
- Published:
- Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports
- Author(s) and Contributors:
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Author(s): Ken Klingenstein
- Source(s) and Collection(s):
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Collection(s): CAUSE/EFFECT (Archives)
Abstract
Middleware has emerged as a critical second layer of an enterprise IT infrastructure, sitting on top of the network level. The need for middleware stems from the increasing growth in the number of applications, in the customizations within those applications, and in the variety of locations from which we access those applications. These and other factors now require that a set of basic data and services be moved from their multiple instances within individual applications or network elements into a centralized institutional offering. Interoperable middleware between organizations is a particular need of higher education.