The role of middleware in computing is to act as an intermediary layer that facilitates communication and data management between applications and services. Middleware enables disparate applications to exchange data seamlessly, often handling functions like authentication, database connectivity, and message queuing. It enhances the interoperability of software systems, ensuring that they can work together effectively despite differences in language or platform. Middleware is commonly utilized in distributed systems and enterprise applications, streamlining integration and improving overall system performance.