| This dissertation presents the findings of a grounded theory-based approach to study the implementation of three generations of middleware technology standards in large global organizations. The findings are used to develop a theoretical framework that identifies the key organizational and technological factors that influence the successful implementation of these infrastructures.; The research reveals that lack of adoption of middleware technologies has more to do with broader industry-wide technological factors than those concerned with the internal organization of the firm. Specifically, a dominant design has not yet emerged in the middleware arena and that has led to frequent technology changes which have negatively impacted the implementation and use of these technologies.; This research extends the current models of technology adoption and implementation by adding another dimension, maturity of technology, which can have a significant impact on the success of a technology in a firm. This study also demonstrates that the findings in the technology innovation discipline can be applied to middleware technology as well, and that middleware technology is a specific case of the generalized models developed in that area. It also enhances the findings of the technology innovation literature by identifying middleware-specific factors that impact the emergence of a dominant design.; This has important implications for researchers and practitioners. For researchers, it is recommended that they explore other evolving contemporary IS technologies to identify technology-specific forces that impact their success, develop strategic frameworks that can help to evaluate the implications of using such technology, and identify factors that influence vendor strategies. For technology mangers, it is recommended that they take into account the state of the technology to avoid the possibility of a lock-in into an unstable technology that may lead to expensive migrations, design solutions that are product independent, monitor their vendors by paying close attention to their strategies, and participate in the standardization process. For middleware vendors, it is recommended that they develop middleware technology with integration and interoperability in mind, because that is the primary feature that users value, and that, if they are engaged in the middleware technology standardization process, they encourage all major vendors participate. |
