Abstract:
A workflow server can receive requests, each for a business process workflow conforming to a business process model. Each business process workflow can include a set of interdependent tasks. The workflow server can satisfy received requests by assigning tasks to different service providers that provide software services. Each of the tasks can be assigned to corresponding ones of the software services. For each task, the workflow server can also defines an allocated cost per software service, and a time allocation per software service for completing the corresponding one of the tasks. Different service providers, including those assigned to tasks, can receive information for ones of the tasks not directly assigned to them by the workflow server. The different service providers can then bid on these tasks. Wherein when bids are won, tasks for a business process flow can be reassigned based on winning bids.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This continuation application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/730,962 filed 24 Mar. 2010 entitled “A DYNAMICALLY OPTIMIZED DISTRIBUTED CLOUD COMPUTING-BASED BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT (BPM) SYSTEM”. The entire contents of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/730,962 are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of business process management (BPM) systems and, more particularly, to a dynamically optimized distributed cloud computing-based BPM system. 
         [0003]    Business process management (BPM) systems orchestrate the performance of the tasks that make up a workflow by various computing components and/or resources. Many conventional BPM systems operate under the premise that the computing components/resources utilized by the workflow are fixed or static. For example, when a workflow utilizes computing components/resources from other systems that are internal to the organization&#39;s enterprise computing network. 
         [0004]    Many organizations are beginning to restructure their computing networks to incorporate a paradigm shift to a cloud computing environment and business models. In a cloud computing paradigm, cloud computing service providers utilize the Internet to provide computing resources and/or services to consumers in a service-oriented delivery model. For example, a business may utilize a third-party such as GOOGLE to provide email services instead of purchasing all the resources necessary to implement an email system in-house. 
         [0005]    Use of a conventional BPM system  110  with a cloud computing environment  130 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrates some of the obstacles encountered with such a configuration. Initially, system  100  incurs additional overhead because the workflow engine  120  is unable to operate in a distributed fashion within the cloud computing environment  130 . When the requestor  105  initiates  152  the performance of a workflow  125 , the workflow engine  120  acts similar to a switchboard operator—retrieving  154  the workflow  125 , sending  156  Step  1  data to cloud service  1   135 , receiving  158  Output  1  from cloud service  1   135 , sending  160  the Step  2  data and Output  1  to cloud service  2   140 , and receiving  162  the final Output  2 . 
         [0006]    The larger the quantity/size of the data being exchanged between the workflow server  115  and the cloud services  135  and  140 , the more time and/or bandwidth is required to perform the data transfers. This situation is further compounded when subsequent processing requires the output of a previous step, as shown in system  100 . Since cloud service  2   140  requires Output  1  from cloud service  1   135 , Output  1  must be sent  158  to the workflow server  115 , which then passes  160  the Output  1  to cloud service  2   140 . 
         [0007]    Current approaches attempt to distribute the workflow  125  across different workflow engines  120 . However, such an approach requires additional coordination among the workflow engines  120  as well as key business structures (i.e., service-level agreements) to adjudicate the transactions. In other words, use of multiple engines  120  alone does not avoid potential breakdown of the business process if a given subflow in a workflow cannot fulfill a given request or if performance is very slow. 
         [0008]    Additionally, the workflow  125 , typically written in a business process execution language (BPEL), is constructed using static conditions. That is, a provider and/or service are explicitly specified for each workflow step  127 . This leads to a two-fold problem. Identifiers (e.g., Web site names and addresses) tend to be fluid in the dynamic cloud computing environment  130 , which is problematic for applications and/or documents that statically encode a service identifier. 
         [0009]    Further, the BPM system  110  does not take advantage of potential efficiencies and/or cost-savings afforded by the economy within the cloud computing environment. That is, the workflow engine  120  will always use cloud service  1   135  to perform step  1   127  even if time and/or money could be saved by using another service provider. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The disclosure addresses problems with managing business processes within a cloud computing environment. Business processes can be a collection of related, structured activities that produce a service or product that meets the needs of a customer. A business process work flow is designed to increase visibility of business processes, which execute across computing systems, which can belong to different companies and/or divisions. That is, there is a layer of abstraction for business process workflows, which cause these workflows to be defined and implemented above a hardware layer. To achieve this abstraction, special business process flow languages, similar to the business process execution language (BPEL), are used to construct business process flows. A cloud computing environment is one in which services are provided where the services are abstracted from the underlying hardware that implements them. Both business process workflows conforming to a business process model and cloud computing environments can be implemented in a service oriented architecture environment. 
         [0011]    The cloud computing environment in which business processes execute can be a true distributed environment, as opposed to a centralized one. That is, various components (and services) of the cloud computing environment can execute independent of each other with no direct communication or other positive knowledge existing between the computing equipment that provides the different services. Thus, each of the services executing in the cloud computing environment can lack knowledge pertaining to other ones of the services. In the disclosure, individual workflow engines can publish workflow task(s). Services in the cloud computing environment can post bids for executing a workflow or parts thereof with a cloud registry. Based on these bids, individual workflow engines, which are in charge of deciding which workflow task(s) is/are handled by which service providers, can assign workflow task(s) to the cloud services. 
         [0012]    One embodiment of this disclosure implements a cloud registry server and cloud workflow manager, which are implemented at the cloud computing environment level and which closely interact with a BPM workflow server. The cloud registry server and cloud workflow manager are able to look at BPM workflow activities as complex business processes that must be executed as efficiently as possible within a cloud computing environment. This is to be contrasted with a traditional viewpoint that each activity or process of a workflow is discrete and is to be handled independently (from a hardware/optimization perspective) of other workflow processes. Concepts, such as cloud BPEL, cloud registries, and dynamic modifications of workflows within a cloud environment, are important to implementing the innovations detailed herein. In one embodiment, a facility is included in which service providers, which include providers of cloud services, can competitively bid for one or more jobs in a BPM workflow. 
         [0013]    The disclosure can be implemented in accordance with numerous aspects and embodiments. For example, one aspect of the disclosure can include a system for handling business process flows in a cloud computing environment. In the system, a workflow server can receive requests, each for a business process workflow conforming to a business process model. Each business process workflow can include a set of interdependent tasks. The workflow server can satisfy received requests by assigning tasks to different service providers that provide software services. Each of the tasks can be assigned to a corresponding software service. For each task, the workflow server can also define an allocated cost per software service, and a time allocation per software service for completing the corresponding one of the tasks. Different service providers, including those assigned to tasks, can receive information for tasks not directly assigned to them by the workflow server. The different service providers can then bid on these upcoming tasks. When bids are won, tasks for a business process flow can be reassigned based on the winning bids. Winning bids can represent a more optimized or efficient manner of carrying out a task. 
         [0014]    Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for dealing with service provider competition within business process flows. A workflow server can receive a request for a business process workflow which conforms to a business process model. The business process workflow can include a set of interdependent tasks. One or more of the interdependent tasks are executable in parallel while the others must be executed in series upon completion of earlier tasks. In response to this request, the workflow server can assign various software services and their associated providers an assignment (a task or set of interdependent tasks) depending on the capabilities of the service provider. The workflow server would also be able to establish a workflow document defining the tasks, their corresponding software services and providers, an allocated cost per software service, and a time allocation per software service for completing their corresponding assignment. At least a portion of this workflow document could be provided to the different service providers. In other words, each of the different service providers can be provided with details for other tasks that were not initially assigned to that service provider by the workflow server. Based on this information, the service providers can then bid on assignments that were not initially assigned to them if they can perform the needed task better than the estimates given in the workflow document. Responsive to the bidding, the service providers could win a bid to provide an uncompleted assignment more efficiently than indicated in the workflow document. More efficiently can mean that the uncompleted assignment will be performed in a shorter time frame, a lower cost, or both a shorter time frame and a lower cost than indicated in the workflow document. The workflow document would then be updated to reflect the change in which new service provider are assigned the future assignment based on having won at least one bid. The workflow would continue to be processed, and after each task is completed an associated workflow document would be referenced in order to appropriately move to the next task and its associated service provider. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for running business processes conforming to a business process model. In the method, a workflow server can identify a business process flow comprising a set of tasks. The business process flow can conform to a business processing modeling language. The workflow server can determine a set of software services for handling various sets of tasks within the business process flow. For each of these tasks, a corresponding service can be identified, along with a time frame and cost for performing the task. Each of the services could potentially be matched to a known service provider. The workflow server, comprising one or more workflow engines, can send the different service providers a service request, which would contain information on the task being requested as well as which service provider is currently tasked with performing the service. Some portion of the service providers would potentially be able to determine a more suitable provider for some of the tasks that make up the business process flow. More suitable in this regard means that the task will be performed in a shorter time frame and/or lower cost than what was determined by the workflow server. The business process flow would be modified to substitute at least one of the tasks with a more efficient task. 
         [0016]    Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for dynamically optimizing and distributing performance of a cloud workflow. A cloud workflow can be registered with a cloud workflow registry in response to a workflow instantiation request. Registration can be performed by a cloud-enabled workflow engine of a distributed cloud computing business process management (BPM) system. The cloud workflow can be written in a standardized format of a business process execution language (BPEL) and it would include a set of tasks. For each of the tasks of the cloud workflow, the cloud-enabled workflow engine would determine a cloud service provider registered with the cloud workflow registry that is able to satisfy the task. The step would involve specifying information such as a cost for providing the service and a time of completion for the task satisfied by the service. The cloud workflow engine would then create an initial plan for completing the cloud workflow. The initial plan would be recorded in the cloud workflow registry and can be made available to service providers registered with the cloud workflow registry. After the initial plan is created, cloud service providers would be able to provide a bid to complete tasks more efficiently than indicated by the initial plan. The initial plan could then be modified to insert a more efficient provider for at least one of the tasks in accordance with the bids. The modified plan, the cloud service providers and cloud services indicated therein would then be utilized to complete the tasks of the cloud workflow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  (PRIOR ART) is a process flow diagram illustrating the interaction between a business process management (BPM) system and a cloud computing environment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a process flow diagram illustrating the interaction between a distributed cloud computing BPM system and a cloud computing environment in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for the dynamic optimization of cloud workflows performed by a distributed cloud computing BPM system in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a method  400  describing the basic operation of a distributed cloud computing BPM system in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method describing the identification of cloud workflow optimizations by a cloud service provider in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an interaction diagram illustrating the communications between entities involved in the performance of a cloud workflow by a distributed cloud computing BPM system in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The present invention discloses a solution that enables the distributed performance of a cloud workflow within a cloud computing environment and the dynamic optimization of that cloud workflow based upon the current operating conditions of cloud service providers within the cloud computing environment. A cloud workflow can be a high-level representation of a standard workflow document written in a standardized cloud business process execution language (BPEL). The cloud workflow can be formatted to include acceptable limits for performance parameters similar to time and price. A cloud-enabled workflow engine can register the cloud workflow with a cloud workflow registry. A cloud workflow manager can then optimize and distribute the steps of the cloud workflow within the cloud computing environment to be performed by selected cloud service providers. When a cloud service provider is selected to perform a step of the cloud workflow, its predecessor can be instructed to deliver the output to that cloud service provider, not the BPM system. 
         [0024]    As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. 
         [0025]    Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
         [0026]    A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
         [0027]    Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). 
         [0028]    Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0029]    These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0030]    The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a process flow diagram  200  illustrating the interaction between a distributed cloud computing BPM system  210  and a cloud computing environment  240  in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Process flow diagram  200  can represent the performance of the workflow  125  from  FIG. 1  by the distributed cloud computing BPM system  210 . The cloud computing environment  240  can be a distributed environment executing services  245 ,  250  in a distributed, as opposed to a centralized (or even centrally managed) environment. Thus the environment  240  may be implemented as a collection of different cloud computing environments, each having environment specific requirements (e.g., one environment could conform to an AMAZON WEB SERVICES ENVIRONMENT such as the AMAZON ELASTIC COMPUTE CLOUD (EC2), another environment in the collection could conform to GOOGLE APP ENGINE standards, another to the MICROSOFT AZURE PLATFORM, etc.). The cloud computing environment  240  can include a public or external cloud, a community cloud, a hybrid cloud, and combinations thereof. 
         [0032]    Process flow  200  can begin with a requestor  205  requesting  252  the performance of a workflow, such as workflow  125  of  FIG. 1 , by the distributed cloud computing BPM system  210 . The distributed cloud computing BPM system  210  can include the cloud workflow server  215  and cloud registry server  230 , as well as auxiliary components (not shown). The cloud-enabled workflow engine  220  operating on the workflow server  215  can retrieve  254  the cloud workflow  225  that corresponds to the request. 
         [0033]    The cloud workflow  225  can represent an abstraction of the original workflow specifically written for performance within the cloud computing environment  240 . The cloud workflow  225  can be written in a specialized cloud BPEL that can be standardized for use across various cloud service providers, services, and/or cloud-enabled workflow engines  220 . Each workflow step  127  of the workflow  125  can have a corresponding workflow step detail  227  in the cloud workflow  225  that can capture information such as acceptable operating parameters. 
         [0034]    The cloud-enabled workflow engine  220  can then register  256  the retrieved cloud workflow  225  with the cloud registry server  230 . The cloud registry server  230  can be a server for a repository where one or more workflow engines  220  of workflow servers  215  can post workflow specifications (which can include a set of cloud workflow documents  225 , each including workflow step details  227 ). Service providers can post bids for executing parts or the entire workflow. These bids can be stored in the registry, sent directly to the suitable workflow engine  220 , and/or place in some other location in communication with the workflow engine  220 , which is in charge of assigning tasks for workflows posted to the registry. In an alternative embodiment, the cloud registry server  230  can include a component (such as cloud workflow manager  350  of  FIG. 3 ) able to accept bids, assign workflow tasks based on these bids, and/or oversee performance of services  245 ,  250  within cloud computing environment  240 . 
         [0035]    Following the same example from  FIG. 1 , Step  1  is to be performed by cloud service  1   245  and Step  2  by cloud service  2   250 , using the output from Step  1 . The cloud registry server  230  can then convey  258  the workflow step detail  227  for Step  1  to cloud service  1   245 . The message sent by the cloud registry server  230  to cloud service  1   245  can also include a destination for the delivery of Output  1 . This delivery destination can be established by engine  220 . Alternatively, the delivery destination can be conveyed directly from the workflow engine  215  to the service  245 , when an assignment for a workflow task is made. 
         [0036]    As cloud service  1   245  performs Step  1 , the workflow step detail(s)  227  for Step  2  can be sent to cloud service  2   250 . The message to cloud service  2   250  can also inform the cloud service  2   250  to expect Output  1  from cloud service  1   245 . 
         [0037]    Upon completion of Step  1  by cloud service  1   245 , Output  1  can be directly passed  262  to cloud service  2   250 . Cloud service  2   250  can then perform Step  2  and send  264  the Output  2  back to the workflow engine  220  (or to any storage location inside or outside environment  240  as designated by the workflow engine  220 ). 
         [0038]    It should be emphasized that in process flow  200 , Output  1  is exchanged  262  only once from cloud service  1   245  to cloud service  2   250 . This can represent a considerable savings in time and resources in comparison to process flow  100 , where Output  1  must be conveyed from cloud service  1   135  to cloud service  2   140  via the workflow engine  120 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a system  300  for the dynamic optimization of cloud workflows  340  performed by a distributed cloud computing BPM system  310  in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. System  300  can represent a configuration capable of performing process flow  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0040]    In system  300 , a cloud workflow  340  can be dynamically optimized and run in a distributed manner by the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310 . A requestor  305  can request performance of a workflow  335  or cloud workflow  340  by the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310  via network  380 . Performance of the workflow  335  or cloud workflow  340  can utilize one or more cloud service providers  370 . The requestor  305  can correspond to a human user and/or computing entity providing a set of input values for which the workflow  335  or cloud workflow  340  is to be performed. 
         [0041]    It should be noted that network  380  can include one or more computing networks local to the requestor  305  in addition to network elements that comprise the infrastructure of the cloud computing environment and/or Internet. For example, the requestor  305  and the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310  can be connected to a network  380  internal to the organization, while the cloud service providers  370  can exist upon servers of other businesses that are accessible over the Internet  380 . 
         [0042]    A cloud service provider  370  can represent a computing entity configured to provide one of more cloud services  375 . A cloud service  375  can represent a wide variety of network  380  accessible software and/or hardware elements, including, but not limited to, computer servers, virtual servers, database storage, electronic file storage, Web applications, electronic communication services, E-commerce services, software applications, and the like. 
         [0043]    The distributed cloud computing BPM system  310  can represent the hardware and/or software components required to perform the cloud workflow  340  representations of workflows  335 . The distributed cloud computing BPM system  310  can include a variety of components arranged in numerous configurations (i.e., distributed, grid, etc.) that can be used to perform cloud workflow  340  functions in addition to and/or in lieu of typical workflow  335  functions. 
         [0044]    Components of particular note to this embodiment of the present invention can include a workflow server  315  and a cloud registry server  345 . The cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  of the workflow server  315  and the cloud workflow manager  350  of the cloud registry server  345  can work together to distribute the performance of a cloud workflow  340  by cloud service providers  370  in a cloud computing environment, as illustrated in process flow  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0045]    The workflow server  315  can represent the hardware and/or software components of the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310  configured to handle the performance of workflows  335  and/or cloud workflows  340  using a cloud-enabled workflow engine  320 . The workflow server  315  can include a cloud-enabled workflow engine  320 , a cloud workflow interface  325 , and a data store  330  containing performance settings  332 , workflows  335 , and cloud workflows  340 . 
         [0046]    The cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  can represent a workflow engine that has been configured to handle performance of a cloud workflow  340 . The cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  can also be configured to operate as a standard workflow engine (i.e., internal service providers only), instantiating a workflow  335 , not a cloud workflow  340 , when indicated. In one embodiment, each workflow engine  320  can be in charge of deciding which workflow  340  task(s) are assigned to which service providers  370 . 
         [0047]    Thus, it is possible for the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  to receive requests from requestors  305  that reference either a workflow  335  or a cloud workflow  340 . A workflow  335  can represent a typical electronic representation of a business process used by current BPM systems. A workflow  335  can be written in a business process execution language (BPEL) and include multiple workflow steps  337 , each defining operating parameters. 
         [0048]    A cloud workflow  340  can be an abstract representation of a workflow  335  specifically written to be performed by the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  and cloud service providers  370 . The cloud workflow  340  can be written in a specialized cloud BPEL that can be standardized for use across various cloud service providers  370 , cloud services  375 , and/or cloud-enabled workflow engines  320 . 
         [0049]    Allowing requestors  305  to request or reference workflows  335  can save time by not having to modify each invocation of a workflow  335  to reference a cloud workflow  340  instead. This also decouples the requestor&#39;s  305  call to run a workflow  335  from how the workflow  335  is run by the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310 . That is, the requestor  305  does not need to “know” if the requested workflow  335  should be run as a cloud workflow  340  or not. 
         [0050]    The performance settings  332  can be used to indicate to the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  when a received request for a workflow  335  should be performed as a cloud workflow  340 . The performance settings  332  can represent user-configurable operating parameters of the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320 . The performance settings  332  can include settings typically associated with the performance of workflows  335  as well as settings specific to cloud workflows  340 . For example, a performance setting  332  can specify that workflow A  335  should not be performed as a cloud workflow  340  or define a default time limit for performing a specific service or cloud service  370 . 
         [0051]    When a requested workflow  335  is to be performed as a cloud workflow  340 , the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  can check the data store  330  for an existing cloud workflow  340  that represents the requested workflow  335 . Should a cloud workflow  340  not exist for the requested workflow  335  or is outdated, the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  can use the workflow translator  323  to create a corresponding cloud workflow  340 . 
         [0052]    The workflow translator  323  can be a software component of the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  configured to create a cloud workflow  340  from an existing workflow  335  and data captured in the performance settings  332 . Each workflow step  337  of the workflow  335  can be translated into a corresponding workflow step detail  342  in the cloud workflow  340 . 
         [0053]    Table  344  can illustrate some of the information that can be captured in a cloud workflow  340 . As shown in table  344 , Step  1  of the cloud workflow  340  is for a “Check ID” service with cloud service provider A  370  as a default provider. The time to perform Step  1  should be less than 30 seconds and should cost less than 50 cents. Authorization is required by the requestor  305  when changing providers. Additionally, a link to the BPEL of the corresponding workflow step  337  in the workflow  335  can also be included. 
         [0054]    It should be noted that the information presented in table  344  is to illustrate the type of information that can be captured within the cloud workflow  340  and is not meant to represent cloud BPEL encoding of such information. 
         [0055]    A cloud workflow interface  325  can be used to create and/or modify cloud workflows  340  and/or performance settings  332 . The cloud workflow interface  325  can be a graphical user interface providing an interaction mechanism for the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310 . The cloud workflow interface  325  can be accessed by a human user via the workflow server  315  or a client device (not shown) connected via network  380 . 
         [0056]    Once the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  has retrieved or created the cloud workflow  340  for the requested workflow  335 , the cloud workflow  340  can be sent to the cloud registry server  345  for distribution to cloud service providers  370  and optimization. The cloud registry server  345  can represent the component of the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310  that interfaces with the cloud service providers  370  in the cloud computing environment. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, the cloud registry server  345  can include cloud workflow manager  350 , and a data store  360  containing copies of cloud workflows  340 , service-level agreement (SLA) data  362 , optimization settings  363 , and a cloud workflow registry  365 . The cloud workflow manager  350  can represent an optional software application running on the cloud registry server  345  that is configured to conduct the various tasks necessary to coordinate performance the cloud workflow  340  by various cloud service providers  370 . Tasks performed by the cloud workflow manager  350  can include, but are not limited to, handling message traffic, encoding/decoding message data, dynamically optimizing performance of cloud workflows  340 , compiling cloud service data  368 , determining current identifiers for cloud service providers  370  and/or cloud services  375 , managing service-level agreements (SLAs), and the like. 
         [0058]    Upon receipt of a cloud workflow  340  from the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320 , the cloud workflow manager  350  can register the cloud workflow  340  in the cloud workflow registry  365 . The cloud workflow registry  365  can represent a local repository of data related to performance of the cloud workflow  340  within the cloud computing environment. The cloud workflow registry  365  can include active workflow data  367  and cloud service data  368 . 
         [0059]    Registration of a received cloud workflow  340  can include the addition of the cloud workflow  340  to the active workflow data  367  of the cloud workflow registry  365  and storage of the cloud workflow  340  in the data store  360 . Upon completion, the cloud workflow  340  can be removed from the data store  360  and/or active workflow data  367 . 
         [0060]    After registration, the cloud workflow manager  350  can begin performance and optimization of the cloud workflow  340 . Optimization of the cloud workflow  340  can be performed by the workflow optimizer  354  component of the cloud workflow manager  350 . The workflow optimizer  354  can be a software application and/or algorithm configured to determine which cloud service providers  370  to use to perform the cloud workflow  340  under the current operating conditions. 
         [0061]    To make this determination, the workflow optimizer  354  can utilize the information contained in the cloud workflow  340 , optimization settings  363 , and cloud service data  368 . The optimization settings  363  can capture user preferences pertaining to how the cloud workflow  340  is to be optimized by the workflow optimization handler  355 . For example, an optimization setting  363  can specify that use of cloud services  375  from cloud service provider A  370  are automatically authorized or that price is a higher priority than time. 
         [0062]    The cloud service data  368  can represent a collection of relevant information about the operating conditions of cloud services  375 . For example, the cloud service data  368  can include the current processing time and price for a specific cloud service  375  performed by a specific cloud service provider  370 . 
         [0063]    The cloud services  375  and/or cloud service providers  370  included in the cloud service data  368  can vary depending on the specific implementation and/or design of the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310 . For example, the cloud service data  368  may only include information about for a predefined set of cloud services  375  and/or cloud service providers  370 . Alternately, information can be stored in the cloud service data  368  based upon the cloud services  375  and/or cloud service providers  370  that have been previously used by the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310 . 
         [0064]    Since the information contained in the cloud service data  368  can be time-sensitive, the workflow optimizer  354  can be configured to assess the recentness of the cloud service data  368  prior to use. Should the cloud service data  368  be considered outdated, the workflow optimizer  354  can request updated information from the cloud service provider  370 . Due to the dynamic nature of the cloud computing environment, the cloud registry server  345  can be configured to refresh the cloud service data  368  at predetermined time intervals. 
         [0065]    In another embodiment, a listener component (not shown) can operate from the cloud service providers  370  for the purpose of providing cloud service data  368  to the cloud registry server  345 . 
         [0066]    In yet another embodiment, the cloud service providers  370  can detect or be informed of the initiation of a cloud workflow  340  by the cloud workflow manager  350 . The cloud service providers  370  can then provide the workflow optimizer  354  with cloud service data  368  regarding workflow step details  342  for which they can improve the performance. Such an embodiment can be coupled with the previously-described embodiment using a listener component operating from the cloud service providers  370 . 
         [0067]    It should be emphasized that the workflow optimizer  354  optimizes the cloud workflow  340  based upon the real-time or near real-time operating conditions of the cloud service providers  370  within the cloud computing environment. Conventional BPM systems do not support such a capability when interacting with a cloud computing environment. 
         [0068]    When the workflow optimizer  354  selects a cloud service provider  370  during the optimization process, the SLA handler  358  can be required to address the establishment of a SLA. The SLA handler  358  can be software component configured to enact and/or dissolve SLAs between the distributed cloud computing BPM system  310  and the cloud service provider  370 . Actions taken by the SLA handler  358  can be recorded as SLA data  362  within the data store  360 . 
         [0069]    Further, optimizations to the cloud workflow  340  can also require authorization of the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320 . Authorization for changes can be determined based on stored performance settings  332  and/or input from the requestor  305 . 
         [0070]    The cloud workflow manager  350  can then distribute the workflow step details  342  of the cloud workflow  340  to the appropriate cloud service providers  370 . In addition to the workflow step details  342 , the cloud workflow manager  350  can inform each cloud service provider  370  where to deliver the generated output and/or where to expect to receive input. Thus, intermediary data generated by the performance of the cloud workflow  340  can travel linearly without extra distribution steps needed by the cloud workflow manager  350 . 
         [0071]    Once performance of the cloud workflow  340  is complete, the cloud workflow manager  350  can receive the final output and convey the output to either the cloud-enabled workflow engine  320  or directly to the requestor  305 . 
         [0072]    Network  380  can include any hardware/software/and firmware necessary to convey data encoded within carrier waves. Data can be contained within analog or digital signals and conveyed though data or voice channels. Network  380  can include local components and data pathways necessary for communications to be exchanged among computing device components and between integrated device components and peripheral devices. Network  380  can also include network equipment, such as routers, data lines, hubs, and intermediary servers which together form a data network, such as the Internet. Network  380  can also include circuit-based communication components and mobile communication components, such as telephony switches, modems, cellular communication towers, and the like. Network  380  can include line based and/or wireless communication pathways. 
         [0073]    As used herein, presented data stores  330  and  360  can be a physical or virtual storage space configured to store digital information. Data stores  330  and  360  can be physically implemented within any type of hardware including, but not limited to, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a digitally encoded plastic memory, a holographic memory, or any other recording medium. Data stores  330  and  360  can be a stand-alone storage unit as well as a storage unit formed from a plurality of physical devices. Additionally, information can be stored within data stores  330  and  360  in a variety of manners. For example, information can be stored within a database structure or can be stored within one or more files of a file storage system, where each file may or may not be indexed for information searching purposes. Further, data stores  330  and  360  can utilize one or more encryption mechanisms to protect stored information from unauthorized access. 
         [0074]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a method  400  describing the basic operation of a distributed cloud computing BPM system in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Method  400  can be performed within the context of system  300  and/or process flow  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0075]    Method  400  can begin in step  405  where the distributed cloud computing BPM system can receive a request to instantiate a workflow. The existence of a cloud workflow for the request can be determined in step  410 . When a cloud workflow does not exist, step  415  can be performed where the requested workflow can be translated into a cloud workflow. Step  415  can be performed using the workflow translator and performance settings of the distributed cloud computing BPM system. 
         [0076]    Upon completion of step  415  or when a cloud workflow already exists, the cloud workflow can be registered in the cloud workflow registry in step  420 . In step  425 , the registered cloud workflow can be initiated. 
         [0077]    Potential workflow changes can be identified in step  430 . The potential workflow changes of step  430  can be identified by the workflow optimizer or received from individual cloud service providers, depending upon the implementation of the distributed cloud computing BPM system. 
         [0078]    When potential changes do not exist for the cloud workflow, flow of method  400  can proceed to step  455  where no further optimization action is taken by the distributed cloud computing BPM system. When there are potential changes for the cloud workflow, the optimal changes to the cloud workflow can be determined in step  435 . Performance of step  435  can utilize the optimization settings of the distributed cloud computing BPM system. 
         [0079]    It should be noted that in step  435  an optimal change can be determined for each step of the cloud workflow. That is, based upon the potential changes available, step  435  can determine the optimal change for each step of the cloud workflow from that set. Also, determination of an optimal change can include comparing the cloud service data for the potential change with the cloud service data for a default cloud service provider. 
         [0080]    In step  440 , it can be determined if authorization is required to enact an optimization determined in step  435 . When authorization is required, step  445  can be performed, requesting authorization for the optimizations. This request can be sent to the cloud-enabled workflow engine for initial handling based upon the stored performance settings. If unable to handle the authorization request, the cloud-enabled workflow engine can forward the authorization request to the original requestor. 
         [0081]    In step  450 , the approval of the optimizations can be determined. When the optimizations are not approved, the distributed cloud computing BPM system can take no further optimization action in step  455 . The cloud workflow then completes processing the request, and can return output to the requestor, as indicated by proceeding from step  455  to step  475 . 
         [0082]    When one or more optimizations are approved, step  460  can be performed where the existence of a service-level agreement (SLA) with the selected cloud service provider can be determined. When a SLA does not already exist with the cloud service provider, a SLA can be established with the cloud service provider in step  465 . Upon establishment of the SLA or when a SLA already exists, step  470  can be performed where the performance of the cloud workflow can be dynamically modified to utilize the optimization. The cloud workflow can then be processed in accordance with the optimizations, which generates cloud workflow output. This output can be received by the distributed cloud computing BPM system in step  475 . In step  480 , the cloud workflow output can be conveyed to the workflow requestor. 
         [0083]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method  500  describing the identification of cloud workflow optimizations by a cloud service provider in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Method  500  can be performed within the context of system  300  and/or in conjunction with method  400 . 
         [0084]    Method  500  can begin in step  505  where the cloud service provider can detect the addition of a cloud workflow to the cloud workflow registry. Alternately, the cloud service provider can receive this information as a broadcast message from the distributed cloud computing BPM system. 
         [0085]    It can be determined if the cloud service provider can perform any of the workflow steps of the new cloud workflow in step  510 . Performance of step  510  can assume that the cloud service provider has some level of access to the information contained within the cloud workflow registry. 
         [0086]    When the cloud service provider cannot perform any steps of the cloud workflow, flow of method  500  can proceed to step  515  where no further action is taken. When the cloud service provider can perform one or more steps of the cloud workflow, service data, such as time and price, can be calculated for those steps in step  520 . 
         [0087]    In step  525 , the calculated service data can be compared to the service data of the currently-selected cloud service provider. It can be determined in step  530  if the calculated service data is an improvement over the service data of the currently-selected cloud service provider. 
         [0088]    When the calculated service data is not an improvement, flow can proceed to step  555  where the cloud service provider can optionally update their corresponding cloud service data for the service in the cloud workflow registry. From step  555 , step  515  can be performed where no further action is taken. 
         [0089]    When the calculated service data is an improvement, the cloud service provider can provide the cloud workflow manager with the calculated service data in step  535 . In step  540 , a response can be received from the cloud workflow manager. 
         [0090]    When the response from the cloud workflow manager is one of rejection, flow can proceed to step  555  followed by step  515  where the service provider can optionally update their corresponding cloud service data for the service in the cloud workflow registry and then take no further action. 
         [0091]    When the response from the cloud workflow manager is one of acceptance, step  545  can be performed where the cloud service provider can perform the accepted workflow step. The output can then be conveyed to the entity designated by the cloud workflow manager in step  550 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 6  is an interaction diagram  600  illustrating the communications between entities  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  612 ,  614 , and  615  involved in the performance of an example cloud workflow by a distributed cloud computing BPM system  610  in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Interaction diagram  600  can be performed within the context of system  300  and/or in conjunction with methods  400  and/or  500 . 
         [0093]    The communications illustrated in interaction diagram  600  can occur between cloud service providers A  604 , B  606 , and C  608 , a cloud workflow manager  612  and cloud workflow engine  614  of a distributed cloud computing BPM system  610 , and a requestor  615 . Cloud service providers A  604 , B  606 , and C  608  can operate within a cloud computing environment  602 . In one embodiment, environment  602  can include a collection of different environments, each having an environment specific framework. For example, a service of provider A  604  can be implemented as an AMAZON ELASTIC COMPUTE CLOUD (EC2) service in an EC2 environment; a service for provider B  606  can be implemented as a GOOGLE APP ENGINE service; and, a service for provider C  608  can be implemented as a MICROSOFT AZURE PLATFORM service. 
         [0094]    As shown in diagram  600 , the example cloud workflow can include two steps. The first step can be designated to be performed by cloud service provider C. A specific cloud service provider  604 ,  606 , or  608  can be unspecified for the second step. 
         [0095]    Interaction between these entities can begin when the requestor  615  requests  620  the performance of the example cloud workflow by the distributed cloud computing BPM system  610 . The request  620  from the requestor  615  can be received by the cloud workflow engine  614 . 
         [0096]    The cloud workflow engine  614  can then obtain  622  the requested cloud workflow, either directly or through the translation of an existing workflow document. The cloud workflow engine  614  can then register  625  the cloud workflow with the cloud workflow manager  612 . 
         [0097]    Since cloud service provider C  608  is specified for Step  1 , the cloud workflow manager  612  can distribute  630  the workflow step details to cloud service provider C  608 . Cloud service provider C  608  can then invoke  632  the requested service. 
         [0098]    While Step  1  is being performed by cloud service provider C  608 , cloud service providers A  604  and B  606  can detect  635  the initiation of the cloud workflow. All the cloud service providers A  604 , B  606 , and C  608  can determine  637  their respectively service data for Step  2 . Each cloud service provider A  604 , B  606 , and C  608  can send  640  their determined Step  2  service data to the cloud workflow manager  612 . 
         [0099]    The cloud workflow manager  612  can then select  642  a cloud service provider A  604 , B  606 , or C  608  to perform Step  2 . For this example, cloud service provider A  604  is selected to perform Step  2 . After selection, cloud service provider C  608  can be informed  645  where to deliver the output of Step  1 . Authorization  650  for using the selected cloud service provider A  604  can be performed, if necessary. 
         [0100]    Upon completion of Step  1 , cloud service provider C  608  can notify  655  the cloud workflow manager  612 . The cloud workflow manager  612  can then distribute  660  the Step  2  details to cloud service provider A  604 . Cloud service provider C  608  can send  665  the Step  1  output to cloud service provider A  604 . 
         [0101]    Cloud service provider A  604  can then invoke  667  the appropriate service. Upon completion of Step  2 , cloud service provider A  604  can send  670  the cloud workflow manager  612  notification of completion and the output of Step  2 . 
         [0102]    The cloud workflow manager  612  can inform  675  the cloud workflow engine  614  that performance of the cloud workflow is complete and provide the output. The cloud workflow engine  614  can then convey  680  the output to the requestor  615 . 
         [0103]    The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
         [0104]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0105]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.