XML Process Definition Language

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The XML Process Definition Language (XPDL) is within the workflow management an XML -based language for describing business processes , more work processes ( workflow ). Since it is a machine-readable process description, it is also called the execution language. The XPDL has been promoted and standardized by the Workflow Management Coalition ( WfMC ) since 1993 . Version 2.0, available since May 2005, provides full support for the graphical Business Process Model and Notation ( BPMN ). XPDL implements Interface 1 in the Workflow Reference Model of the WfMC.

Alternative process execution languages

Development of important BPM standards

In addition to the XPDL, the other most important process execution languages ​​are BPEL ( Business Process Execution Language ) and the serialization of the BPMN ( Business Process Modeling Notation or from Version 2.0 Business Process Model and Notation) in Version 2.0 of the specification. The BPML ( Business Process Modeling Language ), which was specified by the Business Process Management Initiative (BPMI), has lost its importance with the assimilation of the BPMI into the OMG and is no longer being developed.

XPDL compared to BPEL

The focus of XPDL lies in the storable representation of BPMN models. To this end, XPDL is graph-oriented, while BPEL takes a block-oriented approach. Therefore, the graph-oriented BPMN models can be saved better in XPDL than in BPEL. Loops in particular are more difficult to implement in BPEL. However, the concept of the edge of a graph can be added to the BPEL via extensions. XPDL is primarily designed for the execution of tasks by people (workflows), whereas BPEL is designed for the orchestration of computer programs, specifically via web service calls . Therefore, the BPEL lacks corresponding role concepts, especially the concept of participants and performers. The BPEL4People extension can provide this for BPEL to a limited extent . One advantage of the BPEL is the handling of error situations , which is completely absent in XPDL.

BPEL and XPDL are not mutually exclusive. Tibco's current BPM suite uses an (extended) variant of XPDL for modeling, but translates the diagrams for execution in BPEL. Active Endpoints' ActiveVos uses BPEL as the modeling and execution language, but the XPDL format can be processed. Thus, XPDL can also be used as an exchange format between different tools such as graphic modelers, simulation tools and workflow management systems . However, since XPDL is less restrictive in its execution than BPEL, proprietary extensions can arise that severely restrict the use of XPDL. With the new serialization of BPMN in its version 2.0, the advantages of XPDL and BPEL are to be combined.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Page no longer available , search in web archives:@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / www.tibcommunity.com
  2. ↑ http://www.activevos.com/bpel.php
  3. ↑ Archive link ( Memento from August 18, 2009 in the Internet Archive )
  4. ↑ BPM, GPM, BAM, BPMN, BPEL, XPDL, EABPM, CMPM ... , Dr. Martin Bartonitz, 2nd continuation of articles on standards in business process management

Web links