WWWorkflow is a language-driven, data-base-mediated, web-based process mediation system. WWWorkflow leverages on intranet applications and existing information infrastructure services, making it possible to add workflow management features to preexisting information management systems, without the need for significant modifications of those systems. A distinctive feature of WWWorkflow is the careful separation of process mediation from product-data management. WWWorkflow supports many types of workflow and is not focused on any single information structure. WWWorkflow components include a web-based user front-end, a workflow "engine," a workflow data base, and a graphical workflow editor and authoring tool. The web-based user front-end of WWWorkflow allows any user with a web browser to interact with the system. The workflow "engine" contains a workflow language interpreter, as well as an event-driven process mediation service. The workflow data base provides persistence of workflows underway as well as status and historical information for complete reporting. The graphical workflow editor and authoring tool provides both capabilities to produce and edit workflow procedures.
This program was written by Charles Ames, Scott Burleigh, and Stephen Mitchell of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com under the Computer Software category, or circle no. 127 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-20124.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Web-based software for coordinating work
(reference NPO20124) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document presents a technical support package for WWWorkflow, a web-based workflow management system developed by NASA. The system is designed to enhance organizational performance by streamlining the execution of planned work processes, minimizing errors and delays, and providing real-time status updates on workflow instances.
WWWorkflow consists of three main components: a workflow database, a workflow engine, and a CGI-based user interface. The workflow database stores information about procedures and their current states, while the workflow engine drives the execution of these workflows using a specialized Workflow Language (WFL). This engine allows users to load new procedures, start instances, and modify ongoing workflows, functioning similarly to a relational database server.
The system is particularly notable for its flexibility, having been initially prototyped on Sun Solaris systems but later deployed on Microsoft NT servers to meet specific requirements at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). This adaptability is facilitated by the use of widely available components that can be easily recompiled.
A key feature of WWWorkflow is its separation of workflow management from product data management. This design choice allows organizations to integrate the workflow system with existing data management services without needing to overhaul their current infrastructure. The system is also capable of communicating with enterprise authentication services, enhancing security and user management.
The document outlines the system's architecture, emphasizing the importance of the hypertext nature of the World Wide Web in facilitating user interactions. Users receive task instructions through a to-do list that links to other resources, aiding in task completion. The system can also import and export state information to and from external resources, ensuring that workflows can adapt to real-time data.
Future developments for WWWorkflow include the creation of a web-based workflow authoring tool, enabling users to graphically compose workflows for direct storage and activation within the system. This enhancement aims to further simplify the workflow creation process and improve user engagement.
Overall, WWWorkflow represents a significant advancement in workflow management technology, offering a flexible, user-friendly solution for organizations looking to optimize their operational processes while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
