Skip to content

Middleware

Middleware provides shared software services. In an integration, it can handle communication and data adaptation between applications.

APIs & Integration

What is middleware?

Middleware is software that provides shared services for applications and their interaction. These can include messaging, sign-in, runtime services or mediation between interfaces. The term covers a broad category; an individual product need not perform all these tasks.

A fictional software company connects its customer portal to its ERP. An integration component translates requests and maps portal identifier C-28 to ERP identifier D-11. This mapping must first be recorded or obtained through a reliable lookup. The middleware can carry out the exchange; deciding which data the portal may read and which system authorises changes remains a separate design task.

An Enterprise Service Bus is one possible integration pattern within this broad field. iPaaS describes an integration platform provided as a service. The terms therefore describe different aspects of a solution.

Sources

Related terms

Articles on this topic

Insights · APIs & Integration2 minClarify an interface’s job before replacing itAn outdated connection may still carry important workflows. Its replacement needs clarity about effects, exceptions and open operations.Tobias KrügerNov 13, 2026
Insights · APIs & Integration2 minIntegrations need accountable owners after launchAn operating connection needs decisions about changes and incidents. Technical setup alone does not assign that responsibility.Daniel HartmannNov 13, 2026
Insights · APIs & Integration2 minIntegration effort depends on the data path you needTwo tools with APIs can require different preparation. The deciding factors are the required data, operations and permissions.Tobias KrügerNov 13, 2026
Insights · APIs & Integration2 minA shared data model needs agreed meaningThe same field can mean different things in a CRM and an ERP. The teams need to agree its meaning before defining a shared structure.Tobias KrügerNov 13, 2026
Insights · APIs & Integration2 minWebhook integrations need rules for repeat deliveriesControl the business effects of repeated webhooks. A missing acknowledgement must not trigger another order without checking.Tobias KrügerNov 13, 2026
Insights · APIs & Integration3 minUnclear customer mappings need a defined resolution pathResending does not resolve an unclear customer mapping. An integration needs a documented path from clarification to a confirmed target outcome.Tobias KrügerNov 13, 2026
Insights · APIs & Integration2 minTwo-way synchronisation needs explicit write rulesIf CRM and ERP can write, each shared field needs a conflict rule. The last message to arrive is not automatically the latest business decision.Tobias KrügerNov 13, 2026
Insights · APIs & Integration2 minAn accepted request needs a visible outcomeFor background work, the portal must show what was accepted and how it ends. A successful status query can report a failed job.Tobias KrügerNov 13, 2026

APIs & Integration with ASES

ERP, CRM and shop cleanly connected

Request a quoteMore on APIs & Integration