4. Architecture

4.1 Middleware features

• Point-to-point versus multipoint: middleware can operate in point-to-point or multipoint (n to n) mode. Each mode has its advantages and disadvantages.

  • In point-to-point mode, an application A communicates with an application B via a simple "pipe". When A wants to communicate with B, all it has to do is use the "pipe", either by making a procedure call or by sending a message. This assumes that the formats exchanged are mutually intelligible. So far, the solution is very simple. The situation becomes more complicated as soon as more than two applications are involved. It is also difficult to perform format transformations in this context. This mode is used by MOMs like MQSeries and RPCs...