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BPEL

Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) is a recognized industry standard used to describe executable business processes. The focus is on the integration of different application systems using Web service technologies, with Web services offering access to program functions of existing application systems. BPEL is used to describe how Web services are linked to each other chronologically, so that a business process can be implemented. BPEL models are highly IT-oriented, and include information, such as technical exceptions. This degree of technical detail means that BPEL is an unsuitable language for non-technical users. For this reason, users are recommended to describe business processes using standards such as event-driven process chains (EPCs). Furthermore, there is no standardized notation for BPEL.

ARIS SOA Architect enables BPEL to be modeled graphically, supporting BPEL version 1.1. The graphical models can be exported to the official BPEL XML format for transfer to an execution platform. ARIS also offers an innovative EPC-to-BPEL transformation feature, through which business process models are automatically transformed into executable processes. This functionality is very helpful in bridging the gap between business requirements and IT implementation.

Screenshots

: BPEL model

BPEL model in ARIS SOA Architect
This screenshot shows a BPEL process in ARIS SOA Architect. The diagram provides an overview of the process to be automated, details of which can be found in the underlying diagrams.

: BPEL allocation diagram

BPEL allocation diagram in ARIS SOA Architect
In this BPEL allocation diagram, the diagram has been assigned to the process start and the global properties of the process have been defined. For instance, the namespace of the BPEL process is displayed along with the message types defined by the BPEL process.

: Transformation dialog

Transformation dialog in ARIS SOA Architect
ARIS SOA Architect supports automatic transformation of business process models (EPCs) into executable BPEL models. Part of the dialog used to define the transformation is displayed here. Options include specifying whether a synchronous or asynchronous BPEL process should be generated.