Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer system determines that a first rule in a ruleset comprising a plurality of rules is to be executed, where the first rule includes a condition and an action that is to be performed when the first rule's condition is met. The computer system dynamically modifies the first rule's condition to include a portion of software code configured to monitor and receive notifications from a data-change notification system. The computer system executes the dynamically modified first rule and executes a second rule in the ruleset. The computer system receives a notification from the data-change notification system indicating that execution of the second rule's action has modified data values being monitored by the first rule's software code portion and that, as a result of the modification, the first rule is to be re-executed. The computer system also re-executes the first rule based on the received notification.

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, provides for forward chaining in a ruleset. In one approach to this technology, a first rule is examined, to identifying a data object associated with it. A second rule is identified, also associated with the data object. The relationship between the two rules is determined, where execution of the second rule will modify the data object, which, in turn, will alter the outcome of the first rule.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, enabling use of custom expressions in a rules engine. The rules engine may be used in conjunction with a workflow. The technology involves providing a custom expression with access to validation context and execution context of the workflow. The custom expression can then participate in rules engine validation and execution. Furthermore, the technology allows for variables of the custom expression to be analyzed so that the rules engine can discover the variable dependencies of the custom expression and any side effects that drive forward chaining.

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, provides for forward chaining in a ruleset. In one approach to this technology, a first rule is examined, to identifying a data object associated with it. A second rule is identified, also associated with the data object. The relationship between the two rules is determined, where execution of the second rule will modify the data object, which, in turn, will alter the outcome of the first rule.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer system determines that a first rule in a ruleset comprising a plurality of rules is to be executed, where the first rule includes a condition and an action that is to be performed when the first rule's condition is met. The computer system dynamically modifies the first rule's condition to include a portion of software code configured to monitor and receive notifications from a data-change notification system. The computer system executes the dynamically modified first rule and executes a second rule in the ruleset. The computer system receives a notification from the data-change notification system indicating that execution of the second rule's action has modified data values being monitored by the first rule's software code portion and that, as a result of the modification, the first rule is to be re-executed. The computer system also re-executes the first rule based on the received notification.

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, provides for forward chaining in a ruleset. In one approach to this technology, a first rule is examined, to identifying a data object associated with it. A second rule is identified, also associated with the data object. The relationship between the two rules is determined, where execution of the second rule will modify the data object, which, in turn, will alter the outcome of the first rule.

Abstract: Various technologies for integrating workflow services are described. In accordance with one described embodiment, an integrated workflow services system includes a host process, such as a Windows® application program. The host process hosts a workflow foundation runtime engine for executing workflows and a workflow foundation library. A workflow executable by the workflow foundation runtime engine may include an activity (e.g., a policy activity) that defines a ruleset that includes a number of rules (e.g., business rules). At least one rule of the ruleset is defined directly against the workflow. Furthermore, the activity has access to a rules engine capable of evaluating rules in the ruleset.

Abstract: Various technologies for integrating workflow services are described. In accordance with one described embodiment, an integrated workflow services system includes a host process, such as a Windows® application program. The host process hosts a workflow foundation runtime engine for executing workflows and a workflow foundation library. A workflow executable by the workflow foundation runtime engine may include an activity (e.g., a policy activity) that defines a ruleset that includes a number of rules (e.g., business rules). At least one rule of the ruleset is defined directly against the workflow. Furthermore, the activity has access to a rules engine capable of evaluating rules in the ruleset.

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, provides for forward chaining in a ruleset. In one approach to this technology, a first rule is examined, to identifying a data object associated with it. A second rule is identified, also associated with the data object. The relationship between the two rules is determined, where execution of the second rule will modify the data object, which, in turn, will alter the outcome of the first rule.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, enabling use of custom expressions in a rules engine. The rules engine may be used in conjunction with a workflow. The technology involves providing a custom expression with access to validation context and execution context of the workflow. The custom expression can then participate in rules engine validation and execution. Furthermore, the technology allows for variables of the custom expression to be analyzed so that the rules engine can discover the variable dependencies of the custom expression and any side effects that drive forward chaining.