Pattern, Framework, & Middleware: their synergistic relationships

Pattern describes a reusable solution to a common problem that arises in a particular context. Patterns codify reusable design expertise that provides time-proven solutions to commonly occurring software problems that arise in particular contexts and domains. Framework is a integrated set of software components that collobrate to provide a reusable architecture for a family related applications. Frameworks provide both a reusable product-line architecture [1] - guided by patterns - for a family of related applications and an integrated set of collaborating components that implement concrete realizations of the architecture. Middleware is reusable software that leverages patterns and frameworks to bridge the gap between the functional requirements of applications and the underlying operating systems, network protocol stacks, and databases.