Monday, July 24, 2006
more basics
If we look at windows workflow foundations or WF as an example, the capabilty provided is mainly for developers. It is an API that will allow coders to leverage the unified workflow API for windows. There is some great tooling available from within VS.NET to support easy assembly of workflow maps. It has integration with debugging and distributed development capabilities and team systems features. It is still a developer toolkit though :)
So, for the masses to leverage this toolkit, we need tools like visio, word, excel and the browser itself to be able to support workflow creation, deployment, management, initiation, participation and reporting.
Sharepoint is doing a good job by providing the widely used workflow processes out-of-the-box. then we have sharepoint designer to help implementing higher level of functionality than these workflows. After that we have to resort to VS.NET or notepad using WF.
I guess there is a lot of room for ISVs and SIs to play here. Nintex has a sharepoint only toolkit for workflows. I have worked with Sharepoint integration components from vendors like K2, and Captaris. These vendors will upgrade and expand their offerings in this space - no doubt about that.
I also think there is a lot of room for small players to come up with solutions in this space. now that barrier to entry has been lowered by this unfied API. SaaS is the other are where Workflow can work for the small players in a big way.
So, for the masses to leverage this toolkit, we need tools like visio, word, excel and the browser itself to be able to support workflow creation, deployment, management, initiation, participation and reporting.
Sharepoint is doing a good job by providing the widely used workflow processes out-of-the-box. then we have sharepoint designer to help implementing higher level of functionality than these workflows. After that we have to resort to VS.NET or notepad using WF.
I guess there is a lot of room for ISVs and SIs to play here. Nintex has a sharepoint only toolkit for workflows. I have worked with Sharepoint integration components from vendors like K2, and Captaris. These vendors will upgrade and expand their offerings in this space - no doubt about that.
I also think there is a lot of room for small players to come up with solutions in this space. now that barrier to entry has been lowered by this unfied API. SaaS is the other are where Workflow can work for the small players in a big way.
Friday, July 21, 2006
the workflow wave
Microsoft will be embeding more and more WF based capabilities in to its product suite. We have seen the formal announcement for the BTS 2006 R2 where the Human workflow component in BTS will be implemented as WF. eventually, BTS2008 will fully incorporate WF.
Whether BAM will also evolve to support WF as a suite of product is unknown. MS does have most of the components of a Workflow platform in place. So, whether they combine and make it a platform offering or not is an interesting question. This will change the landscape for ISVs who currently bridge the gap in the workflow / BPM area.
Microsoft's scorecards and Performance point also has a part to play in the Business Process Management arena. Imagine one day all WF processes could be managed from a central place and integrated in to corporate reporting would be a great capability. This won't be for free and MS will need many years to deliver this.
Whether BAM will also evolve to support WF as a suite of product is unknown. MS does have most of the components of a Workflow platform in place. So, whether they combine and make it a platform offering or not is an interesting question. This will change the landscape for ISVs who currently bridge the gap in the workflow / BPM area.
Microsoft's scorecards and Performance point also has a part to play in the Business Process Management arena. Imagine one day all WF processes could be managed from a central place and integrated in to corporate reporting would be a great capability. This won't be for free and MS will need many years to deliver this.
