Middleware has had a successful history in the computing industry and recently this approach has been taken by the telecommunications industry to address some major architectural issues. Providing the latest developments in middleware, this detailed reference tool compiles the most up-to-date knowledge of middleware's applications in the communications industry from the world's leading researchers in the field. * This definitive reference provides comprehensive coverage of the effect that the latest developments in middleware will have upon telecommunications. * Covers cutting edge research on RMI, CORBA, J2EE, and related areas (middleware for smart cards and mobile computing). * Provides a roadmap to future research. This valuable resource is ideal for those working in telecommunications wishing to stay ahead of the developments in this dynamic industry. It will also be highly relevan t to researchers in the area of middleware, developers, software engineers and software architects.