Middleware method and apparatus and program storage device adapted for linking data sources to software applications

Abstract

Middleware services link multiple data sources to multiple software applications. In one implementation, the middleware receives data requests from different applications, each request including a set of data descriptions that specify which type of data is sought from multiple real-time data sources. The middleware adapts the requests from different types of applications, and the different data available from different real-time data sources, for compatibility with a single common user interface. A user can select which real-time data to map to the common user interface, while each application may request data through a different set of data descriptions. Adapters convert data formats and communication protocols of real-time data from multiple data sources for compatibility with a given requesting application. The adapters can be discovered dynamically without redeploying the middleware, enabling third-party developers to create and initiate the adapters to dynamically connect sources of real-time data to the applications via the middleware.