Demystifying Embedded Systems Middleware

When asked, "What is the biggest factor in influencing the processor choice for new projects?" engineers overwhelmingly agree that the robustness of the processors' attendant software is the key linchpin of the decision. Not speed, not price, but available software. Because software has become the most important factor in the development of embedded systems, middleware, the "glue" of hardware and software. However, middleware is perhaps the most mysterious of all the aspects of an embedded system, even to expert designers! The information is scattered and mostly proprietary, not to mention largely outdated, and obfuscated by a sea of acronyms. This practical technical guide is the embedded middleware implementation of the broad and diverse topic. Big picture theoretical discussion is integrated on the step-by-step. Hundreds of diagrams help the reader to visualize the complexity of today. Technically detailed case studies are all likely to bring it together. Expert author Tammy Noergaard keeps explanations as simple and readable as possible, eschewing jargon and carefully defining acronyms. The start of each chapter includes a set of stages. Core middleware, such as networking protocols, file systems, virtual machines, and databases; more complex middleware that builds upon generic pieces, such as MOM, ORB, and RPC; and integrated middleware software packages, such as embedded JVMs, .NET, and CORBA packages are all demystified. A free companion CD-ROM includes all the open-source code, which can be obtained by hands.

* The only complete guide to middleware, one of the most important AND most widely misunderstood aspects of embedded systems - digital TVs, smart phones, can not function without it!

* Offers thorough middleware coverage, including basic theory and core middleware, as well as complex implementations and integrated packages

* Detailed case studies, real-world examples, multiple diagrams, and a free CD-ROM

Section I. Introduction to Middleware

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Middleware
Chapter 2. Middleware and Methodology
Section Summary and End notes

Section II. Core General Purpose Middleware
Chapter 3: Networking
Chapter 4: File Systems
Chapter 5: Programming Languages and Virtual Machines
Chapter 6: Databases
Section Summary and End Notes

Section III. Building On General Purpose Core Middleware
Part 1. Networking and Communications
Chapter 7: Message Oriented Middleware [MOM]
Chapter 8: Object Request Broker [ORB]
Chapter 9. Remote Procedure Call [RPC]
Chapter 10: Transaction Processing (TP) Monitors
Chapter 11: Three Tier Client / Server Model
Chapter 12: Distributed Object Computing
Part 2. Other Types of Middleware
Chapter 13: Database-oriented
Chapter 14. Multimedia
Section Summary and End Notes

Section IV. Integrated Middleware Packages
Chapters 15 Java
Chapter 16 .Net Compact Framework
Chapter 17. CORBA
Section Summary and End Notes

Section V. Case Studies of Implementing Middleware
Chapter 18: Implementing Core Middleware
Chapter 19: Implementing Integrated Middleware
Chapter 20: Conclusion
Section Summary and End Notes

Section VI. Appendices
Appendix A. Middleware Standards
Appendix B. Acronyms
Appendix C. Glossary