Architectures for Service-oriented Processes

By the use of Web Service technologies and the Internet it is possible to lay the foundation for virtual value chains that cross enterprise boundaries. As the number of services and their interaction grow, it is evident that the flow of message exchange between services needs to be coordinated in a structured way. Executable process languages such as BPEL are proposed as an instrument for the coordination of services. Executable processes must be designed such that they solve technical coordination problems as well as provide a fundament for organizations to manage and monitor the progress of the business. In this paper we examine how the design of executable processes is affected by both technical and business issues. Furthermore, we examine a set of architectures that enable the use of executable processes to cater to both business and technical needs. We provide fundamental guidelines on how to apply the architectures.