Workflow is the management of business processes. Think of workflow as a coordinator. In and of itself, workflow lacks the capability to do anything, but rather relies on business objects, messages, and other external entities to perform functionality (for example creating a user object in a database). Workflow coordinates the use of business objects, messages, and so on to perform business processes.

JCA does not address workflow. However, look for something in the J2EE arena to address workflow, as it SERVES as an important component when developing a complex system.

Having DISCUSSED how JCA (and J2EE) compare with EAI TOOLS, it's now important to look at how JCA fits into an overall INTEGRATION strategy.

Workflow is the management of business processes. Think of workflow as a coordinator. In and of itself, workflow lacks the capability to do anything, but rather relies on business objects, messages, and other external entities to perform functionality (for example creating a user object in a database). Workflow coordinates the use of business objects, messages, and so on to perform business processes.

JCA does not address workflow. However, look for something in the J2EE arena to address workflow, as it serves as an important component when developing a complex system.

Having discussed how JCA (and J2EE) compare with EAI tools, it's now important to look at how JCA fits into an overall integration strategy.