ystem that acts a middleman between two functional layers. Glossary Message broker: The component of a middleware architecture that handles and translates messages among various applications. Middleware: A term for technologies used to integrate multiple applications based on a sort of common bus, backplane or foundation. Sometimes used more specifically to refer to simple, message-based integration applications. Mobile service provider: A company that offers mobile voice and/or data services. Also referred to as a mobile operator. Multiplexers: The equipment IICs use to condense and encode traffic before it is transmitted across a network. Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS): An Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard for packet-switching technology that provides QOS-enabled services by establishing label switched paths through the network. Network Management Systems (NMSs): Most simply, the subset of OSS responsible for detecting faults and alarms on the network. NMSs are becoming more functional and often incorporate performance measurement capabilities and the ability to "auto-discover" new equipment as it is added to the network. These systems are critical to an IIC's ability to maintain network health and repair problems rapidly. Network Operations Centers (NOCs): The command center from which an IIC's staff operates and manages the network. Network Service Providers (NSPs): A term to describe those IICs that provide backbone, leased line and other such network-based services generally to other IICs. Some NSPs are also referred to as a "carrier's carrier." Network Interface Card (NIC): A piece of hardware generally installed in a PC that allows it to communicate over a local area network. Operations Systems (OSs): Not to be confused with operating systems, another term for OSS. Some eliminate the "support" aspect in recognition of increasing automation in the operations realm. The Ultimate Guide to Building and Delivering OSS/BSS Operations Support Systems (OSS): The software applications that pro