What is Middleware? Using a variety of software applications to accomplish complex tasks is the norm, but what if they don’t work well together? Middleware takes over where your OS cannot help, ensuring smooth interactions between applications, including both data management and communications. It is deployed frequently within the field of vehicle , where Middleware enables smooth interaction between disparate systems, such as Raspberry Pi based devices and cloud-based management applications. What is Middleware Capable Of? While it is easy to look at middleware as a simple bridge between different applications, it actually does much more than we realize. The ability to get multiple applications sharing data and working seamlessly requires a number of tasks, including: Seamless Communications — Middleware allows software applications that don’t share any common language to communicate easily. This is accomplished by using standardized protocols such as JSON, Rest, XML, Soap and others, and universal language translation. Simpler Development — With middleware handling communications through its universal language and standardized protocols, developers no longer have to plan for custom integrations for new apps and services. Enhance Interoperability — Applications can work together regardless of languages, platforms and more, for efficient and effective solutions. Custom Application Servers — We use middleware tailored to our specific needs, ensuring that for any middleware installation it provides the most efficient and effective solution to support the intended objectives. Efficient Data Management — Because middleware manages the data as it passes between applications, it takes care of encryption, translation and compression for seamless transitions for end users. The ability to use multiple incompatible applications seamlessly together is why middleware is so important for many industries today. In areas such as vehicle telematics and other cloud computing solutions, it brings together various essential technologies to provide the tools and infrastructure users need. Middleware in Practice Being able to use data within multiple applications in a seamless way, and have various services communicate and integrate is something that benefits almost every industry imaginable. From vehicle telematics to the hospitality industry, digital ordering systems to vehicle , middleware has become indispensable across almost every industry. However, in the context of the automotive industry, one of the best illustrations in how middleware enables a variety of systems can be seen in how AutoPi operates. The AutoPi Device and the AutoPi Cloud Most commonly using the Raspberry Pi platform, the AutoPi device is the on-vehicle element of AutoPi systems, while these devices connect to the central management system, AutoPi Cloud, a cloud-based software application. In this system you have two elements: The AutoPi Device as Middleware — The AutoPi devices is the middleware solution that enables communications and data exchange between AutoPi Cloud and vehicle data systems and other onboard systems. Connectivity to AutoPi Cloud — The device, as middleware, facilitates communications to the AutoPi Cloud platform, enabling access to vehicle data so that analysis can be carried out. This is accomplished as follows. As we can see from this example, acting as middleware, the AutoPi device connects the cloud-based system with the vehicle systems, two entirely incompatible technologies. Without middleware, the functionality of fleet management solutions like AutoPi, from vehicle tracking to operational monitoring, would not be possible. Conclusion As the tasks we need to accomplish become more complex, so the number of different software applications, services and other technologies need to be part of the solution. Middleware is an essential component in bringing together disparate tech to allow them to communicate and work as one in delivering a specific set of capabilities and outcomes. Crucial today, as technology advances and become smore focused on specific tasks, middleware will be the essential glue that brings everything together in the future, highlighted by things like telematics and IoT technologies.
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