Middleware for Location-Based Services

This chapter focuses on location application services and the middleware technology required for supporting their operation. Middleware consists of a set of services exposing interfaces, a programming model, and an interaction model to the application developer. In the context of location-based services (LBS), this refers to the services, abstractions, and models that implement mobile user coordination, information correlation, and information dissemination. A major component of LBS is the integration of location or position information. Thus, it is important to understand the capabilities and limitations of existing position localization technologies and their role in enabling and constraining application development and deployment. A middleware system for LBS supports many other functionalities such as management of subscriber information, management of billing records and accounting, and enforcement of privacy. In addition, a middleware architecture supports the integration of these functionalities in an interoperable fashion, often enabled through an open services architecture and the support of open standards and interfaces.