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I’ve been asked this question a lot recently. Middleware is a notoriously obscure word that gets thrown around in tech circles. However most mere mortals really have no desire to learn what the jargon actually means.

DataSync builds middleware, so it’s important to me that the masses see the light. According to Wikipedia, middleware is “computer software that connects software components or applications”. That’s almost circular logic (software that connects software to software??). This definition confuses me.

Let me make my own attempt: middleware connects the dots between software applications. In other words, middleware is the glue that connects software to other software. Also, the ‘middle’ in middleware means that in some cases it sits between the underlying computer system and user-facing applications.

I’m going to get crucified by many for my definition, but it’s my best attempt at 11pm

Any suggestions on how I could better explain it? Middleware is hugely important to my industry, and I hope to someday explain it easily to just about anyone.

Tags: DataSync Suite, middleware, software

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 25th, 2008 at 12:24 am and is filed under DataSync, Open Source, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.