Next Generation Application Integration: From Simple Information to Web Services

Middleware Models

There are two types of middleware models: logical and physical.

The logical middleware model depicts how information moves throughout the enterprise conceptually. In contrast, the physical middleware model depicts both the actual method of information movement and the technology employed.

In order to discuss the logical middleware model, we must first discuss point-to-point and many-to-many configurations, as well as synchronous versus asynchronous. Any examination of the physical middleware model requires a discussion of several messaging models.

Middleware can work in a point-to-point as well as many-to-many (including one-to-many) configuration. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Point-to-Point Middleware

Point-to-point ...