Middle-tier applications, according to IDC, are the core of a digital transformation strategy because they provide data integration, messaging, and application programming interface (API) management. Middle-tier applications also provide a platform for application development and management that can handle traditional enterprise applications and cloud-native, distributed applications.

Digital transformation will look different for every organization. As each organization defines its own unique strategy and goals, there are core principles that can help guide those decisions and harness existing IT resources for the greatest effect.