ABSTRACT
In the previous chapters, we discussed various integration technologies. In this chapter, we will look into the Business Process Management System (BPMS) components and tools based on the previously discussed integration technologies. BPMS is the convergence of the various integration technologies that culminate in a process-centric information technology (IT) platform for delivering business process management solutions. The BPMS technology platform is process-centric because it employs a topdown approach to solution design, starting with the design of the business process. The BPMS platform provides the development capabilities to integrate applications and humans into the business process. Using its various components, a holistic business process solution, driven from the business process definition, could be architected using BPMS. In this chapter, we will look at the various types of BPMS products available in the marketplace. This segmentation is by no means exclusive. Most BPMS products evolved from other product categories, such as Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) tools, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) tools and workflow management systems. The segmentation is based on these product categories. After we discuss the various BPMS types, we will discuss what the ideal BPMS product should offer.
