Business Process Execution Language

Intro

Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) defines orchestration of web services in executable process flows. In EA, it standardised service composition in SOA contexts.

Key points:

• Describes process logic as service calls, conditions, and sequences
• Enables automation across heterogeneous systems
• Common use cases: SOA orchestration, long‑running transactions, compensations
• Pitfall: tight coupling and complexity in large orchestrations

Examples:

• Order processing orchestrating inventory, billing, and shipping services
• Approval workflow calling identity and notification services
• Compensating transactions for failed steps

In practice:

Relate orchestration choices to Enterprise Architecture integration patterns.

Related terms: SOA; Service Orientation; Integration

FAQs:

Q: Is BPEL still widely used?
A: Less so; modern architectures often prefer lightweight APIs and event‑driven approaches.

Q: When is orchestration preferable to choreography?
A: When central control and transactional guarantees are required.

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