What term describes software that connects computers and devices to other applications and networks?

Middleware refers to software that acts as a bridge between different applications, systems, or devices, facilitating communication and data management across various platforms. It enables disparate applications to interact and share data, often enhancing functionality without requiring users to understand the underlying complexities of the systems involved. Middleware can support services like authentication, messaging, and data management, and is commonly used in enterprise environments to ensure seamless integration between different software components and applications.

The other options, while related to software and connectivity, serve different purposes. A framework provides a structure within which software developers can create applications but does not inherently connect them to networks. An operating system is the software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs but is not specifically designed to connect multiple applications. An API (Application Programming Interface) defines a set of rules for how different software components should interact, allowing for communications between programs but is narrower in scope than middleware.

Understanding middleware's role can help clarify its importance in modern computing environments, especially in applications involving distributed systems and cloud services where multiple software components need to communicate effectively.