External Flow Controller for Cloud Workflow Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud applications typically operate under a single entity's control, limiting the ability to extend workflows to external cloud applications or third-party systems, which can restrict the complexity and flexibility of workflow processes.
Innovation Solution
An external flow controller monitors and diverts workflows between cloud applications based on predefined conditions, using configuration information to format requests and handle responses, enabling seamless integration and extension of workflows across different cloud systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud applications operate under a single entity's control, then system simplicity and security are maintained, but workflow flexibility and ability to integrate external systems are limited
Solution Approach 1:
An external flow controller is introduced as an intermediary component that sits between the first cloud application and external cloud applications. This controller monitors workflows, evaluates conditions, and manages diversions to external systems, thereby enabling workflow flexibility without requiring changes to the core cloud application's control structure or security model.
2Adaptability or versatility
If workflows are extended to external cloud applications, then process complexity and flexibility are enhanced, but control and security management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The external flow controller implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring workflows continuously and evaluating conditions at each decision point. When a workflow meets predefined conditions for external diversion, the controller receives feedback about the workflow state, makes controlled diversion decisions, and can receive results back from external applications to incorporate into the original workflow, thereby maintaining reliable control over extended processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cloud applications are integrated, then workflow functionality is enhanced, but data exchange complexity and formatting requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external flow controller serves multiple functions: it monitors workflows, evaluates conditions, formats data for external applications, manages diversions, and incorporates results back into the original workflow. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise be separate complexity elements into a single universal controller, reducing overall data exchange complexity while enabling multi-application integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for flow control. In one aspect, there is provided a method, wherein the method may include monitoring, by an external flow controller, a workflow at a first cloud application to determine whether at least one condition is satisfied to extend the workflow to a second cloud application external to the first cloud application; diverting, by the external flow controller, when the at least one condition is satisfied; handling, by the external flow controller, a request to divert the workflow to the second cloud application by at least formatting the request in accordance with configuration information at the external flow controller; sending, by the external flow controller, the workflow to the second cloud application; receiving, by the external flow controller, a result to incorporate into the workflow at the first cloud application; and/or proceeding with the workflow at the first cloud application.