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Two implementing ways of workflow systems under the network environment

Li Ya, Tong Xiong, Wang Hairui

Workflow management systems (WfMS) are an emerging category of information systems, currently under the network environment. On the other hand software agents and CORBA objects are two distinct research areas as well as an emerging paradigm for information systems design and development. This paper tries to examine the integration of these two fields. WFMS based on agent technology and CORBA technology can cope with the rapidly evolving business environment better than most other systems as they are more flexible and open. We describe a possible architecture of such a system by means of our prototype WfMS. Collaborating agents or CORBA objects enable a flexible and adaptive system with the possibility of simulation, analysis, and monitoring of the process execution in order to identify potential inconsistencies and to provide appropriate information to the workflow administrator for the purpose of the process improvement