Middleware is about integration and interoperability of applications and services running on heterogeneous computing and communications devices. The services it provides - including identification, authentication, authorization, soft-switching, certification and security - are used in a vast range of global appliances and systems, from smart cards and wireless devices to mobile services and e-Commerce.
Qusay H. Mahmoud has created an invaluable reference tool that explores the origins and current uses of middleware (highlighting the importance of such technologies as CORBA, J2EE and JMS) and has thus compiled the roadmap to future research in this area.
Middleware for Communications:
Qusay H. Mahmoud is an independent contractor for Sun Microsystems. He has written several articles for the Java Developer Connection that cover J2ME, including the MIDP and the CLDC APIs. He has also presented tutorials on developing wireless applications at a number of international conferences worldwide.