Originally published here on April 1, 2022,
In order to answer the question of why a business needs middleware management, it is necessary to define what middleware is (what is middleware). It is generally accepted that middleware is software that sits between existing systems and processes and helps to smooth integration and interaction between them. Because of the sheer range of middleware and the scope of what it can do and affect in terms of business infrastructure, it is vital that it can be successfully monitored and managed.
We often refer to “middleware” as integration infrastructure and liken it to the nervous system which is at the core of any digitally integrated business. It powers most modern businesses and when it fails, it has serious implications for the organizations involved. Middleware can help connect different software systems and make them work together smoothly. It can also provide features and functionality that would otherwise be unavailable.
Middleware that is not monitored well enough can also introduce vulnerabilities and instability into systems, potentially opening up areas of the system that were meant to remain private and secure. Middleware is essential for businesses that rely on multiple software systems in order to function properly.
What are the benefits of using middleware?
Middleware can offer a multitude of benefits to businesses, including the ability to connect disparate systems, improved data management and security, and enhanced performance. Here are five of the most popular reasons for using middleware:
1. To Connect Disparate Systems
Middleware can provide the “glue” that connects disparate systems within an organization. This can include legacy systems, cloud-based applications, mobile apps, and more. By integrating these systems, middleware can make it easier for employees to access the data and information they need from a single interface. This can improve efficiency and productivity while also reducing IT costs.
2. Improved Data Management
Middleware can help businesses manage their data more effectively. This includes everything from storing and retrieving data to making sure it is accurate and up-to-date. Middleware can also help businesses comply with data regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
3. Enhanced Security
Middleware can also help businesses improve their security. By centralizing data and using military-grade encryption, middleware can make it exponentially more difficult for hackers to access sensitive information. Data breaches are one of the largest causes of reputational damage in the technology industry and utilizing the benefits of middleware we can reduce the chances of this happening. This can help to protect a business’s reputation and ultimately its bottom line.
4. Improved Performance
Middleware can also help businesses improve their performance. By reducing the need to duplicate data and improving communication between systems, middleware can help to improve and streamline business efficiency. This can in turn lead to improved customer satisfaction and increased revenues going forward.
5. Cost Savings
Finally, middleware can also help businesses save money. By reducing the need for duplicate systems and improving efficiency, middleware can help businesses save on hardware, software, and IT costs. This can free up money to invest in other areas of the business such as application development and research.
What is middleware management?
If middleware is the “nervous system” then middleware management is the brain that controls it all and monitors what is happening, identifying and resolving issues as and when they happen. A good middleware management solution offers an instant overview of what is happening across the disparate systems used by the business and provides information in real-time in order to allow operational oversight and control.
Why does my business need middleware management?
There are many reasons why a business might need middleware management. Middleware management can help ensure that all of the middleware that is in use is properly configured and working as intended. It can also help troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise. Without middleware management, a business may find itself in a difficult situation if something goes wrong with its middleware, without the ability to perform a simple rollback to the previous safe state of its software.
By having middleware management in place, businesses can be assured that their middleware is running as it should and this can take some of the worries and pressure away from management and development teams alike. Middleware management can increase efficiency across the board and save businesses time, money, and headaches born by technical problems in the long run.
Middleware management is one of the single most important investments that a business can make toward its success. Ensuring that downtime is all but eliminated and making the best use of the resources at your disposal is a game-changer for any business that relies on using middleware.
What can Nastel Technologies offer for Middleware Management?
Nastel Technologies are leaders in our field and have vast experience in the middleware management or integration infrastructure management space. We work with some of the leading companies in the world and have built our reputation on a solid foundation of reliability, scalability, and empowerment of our clients to really take control of their businesses where it matters.
Integration Infrastructure Management (i2M)
We understand the importance of being able to see at a glance everything that is happening with your middleware and that is why our i2M platform offers a “single pane of glass” system for maximum clarity and visibility. This allows monitoring and deep drill-down into all of the processes that are running in order to analyze performance and understand where bottlenecks are causing throttling and latency issues, and slowing down throughput.
One of the main benefits of this system is that it allows for the monitoring of thousands of different processes simultaneously and offers an easy rollback if a change that has been made has exacerbated a problem rather than resolved it. This negates the need for a huge team of IT, support staff, to oversee the system, and saves on lost productivity while attempting to solve problems.
The flexibility of our i2M system allows for scheduling and automation across your middleware cloud and hybrid environments. In practice, this means that updates can be scheduled for rollout across the organization at times when the system is not in peak usage, avoiding latency issues and making the most of quieter times to undertake this important work. This allows for essential security patches to be rolled out at times when the system is quieter and offers the chance to avoid interruptions at peak times which may otherwise aggravate clients and staff alike.
Our i2M system allows technical teams to undertake difficult tasks while still ensuring that management has oversight and complete access to all changelogs. This increases accountability and ensures appropriate governance at all times. Our system allows for testing across the environment without the risks that would normally be associated with this if the correct tools were not available to unpick and mitigate any problems.
Sam Garforth 