A pattern-based approach for workflow interconnection and flexibility support

This paper describes a new approach for interconnection and flexibility support of service-based workflow processes. We consider specific architectures of inter-organisational workflows (IOWF) fairly widespread in the B2B area defining different cooperation schemas; our final objective is to deal with flexibility of IOWF models obeying to these schemas. First, by introducing a new concept called service-based cooperation pattern (SBCP), we define new generic IOWF-architectures using the SOA paradigm to support process models flexible enough for easing their adaptation, evolution and reuse. A SBCP is defined through three main dimensions: the distribution of services among the partner's sites, the control of instance execution and the structure of interaction between services. Furthermore, to support changes affecting the IOWF models, we define three categories of adaptation patterns according to the three dimensions defining a SBCP; we also exhibit aspects of evolution and reuse of IOWF models using generalised and composite cooperation patterns.