The Internet of Things (IoT) provides the ability for humans and computers to learn and interact from billions of things that include sensors, actuators, services, and other Internet-connected objects. The realization of IoT systems will enable seamless integration of the cyber world with our physical world and will fundamentally change and empower human interaction with the world. A key technology in the realization of IoT systems is middleware, which is usually described as a software system designed to be the intermediary between IoT devices and applications. Middleware technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the diverse hardware devices and the applications that use their data. In an IoT environment, devices often differ in terms of communication protocols, data formats, and processing capabilities. Middleware solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) serve as a critical bridge between heterogeneous devices, networks, and applications, enabling seamless communication, data management, and service integration. Given the diversity and scale of IoT ecosystems, middleware provides essential functions such as device abstraction, interoperability, scalability, security, and real-time data processing. Various types of middleware architectures— including service-oriented, agent-based, event-driven, database-focused, cloudbased, and application-based solutions— address different operational needs, from dynamic service management to big data analytics and edge computing. Platforms Apache Kafka exemplify how middleware can support robust, flexible, and efficient IoT deployments across industries such as smart cities, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. By simplifying development and operation, middleware solutions are fundamental to the growth, scalability, and intelligence of next-generation IoT applications