Which of the following is NOT a function of middleware?

Middleware serves as a bridge that enables different software applications to communicate and share data, acting as an intermediary layer in software architecture. The functions of middleware generally include facilitating communication between applications, providing data security measures, and often managing interactions with databases.

When considering the listed functions, managing network infrastructure is outside the typical scope of middleware. Middleware focuses primarily on application-level functions rather than directly handling the underlying network infrastructure, which is typically the responsibility of other components or systems within an IT architecture.

Therefore, while middleware does play critical roles in ensuring applications can communicate securely and efficiently, it does not encompass the responsibility of overseeing the network hardware and connectivity that enables those applications to operate. This distinction clarifies why managing network infrastructure is not considered a function of middleware.