What term describes the framework for passing messages between applications using formats like SOAP and REST?

The term that describes the framework for passing messages between applications using formats like SOAP and REST is middleware. Middleware serves as a bridge or intermediary layer that enables different software applications to communicate and interact efficiently. It plays a crucial role in supporting communication and data management in distributed systems by providing common services and capabilities.

Using standardized protocols and formats like SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer), middleware ensures that applications can exchange information regardless of the underlying platform or technology used. This interoperability is vital in modern application architectures, especially in environments where various services and systems need to work together seamlessly, such as in microservices or service-oriented architectures.

The other options do not accurately represent this concept. Metadata refers to data about data, which serves to provide information about other data, such as its origin or context. A tag is a keyword or term assigned to a piece of information, helping to categorize or identify it but does not facilitate communication between applications. Provisioning involves preparing and equipping a network to allow it to provide services but does not specifically relate to the messaging frameworks like SOAP and REST.