Software that connects two disparate applications allowing them to communicate is called?

Middleware is a specialized type of software that enables communication and data management between different applications or services, which may be on different operating systems or platforms. It serves as a bridge, allowing disparate systems to exchange data and perform operations seamlessly. This is crucial in complex IT environments where various applications need to work together, despite being developed independently or using different technologies. Middleware can handle various tasks, including message queuing, service orchestration, and transaction processing, making it a vital component in enterprise architectures.

Integration software, while a relevant term, refers more broadly to tools and solutions that facilitate the integration of different systems, which may include middleware as one of its components. So while both integration software and middleware are essential for application communication, middleware specifically denotes a set of services that facilitate data exchange and management between applications.