Abstract: In a structured workflow system, a configurable workflow engine provides mechanisms for executing and scheduling the work items in a defined way. End users use their discretion and define their own “local” processes and “local” rules for processing work items, or deviate from predefined processes. The configurable workflow engine might be installed at a server to organize workflows and business processes where end users can define processing steps for incoming work items by setting up rules and defining workflows as part of a local workflow structure. By defining these rules and workflows, the further processing steps of future incoming work items can be automated. When an administrator directs the workflow engine to move from a current phase to a next phase, the workflow engine deals with the incomplete items by allowing the administrator to carry over work items (or might do it automatically). End-user consultation might be included in the carry-over decisions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide extension to a groupware client to enable the groupware client to access a workflow of a business process from the context of the groupware client. An enterprise server that manages the workflow can interface with the groupware client to provide action on the workflow from within the context of the groupware client. The enterprise server passes the action to the enterprise backend to implement the action on the workflow. Thus, action on the workflow from the groupware client affects the workflow on the enterprise level. Status information about the workflow may be persisted in the groupware client to enable continued interaction with the workflow from within the groupware client.

Abstract: Method and system for widgetizing a web-based application are provided. An example system to provide a community-based image catalog comprises a widgetizer trigger and a definition module. The widgetizer trigger may be configured to receive at a server computer system, from a web browser application running at a client computer system, a request to widgetize a web-based computer application to permit the computer application to be run as a desktop widget at the client computer system. The definition module may be configured to provide to the client computer application, in response to the request to widgetize, a definition file associated with the computer application, the definition file comprising a reference link to the computer application, the reference link including one or more parameters, the one or more parameters to instruct the computer application to generate output in a format suitable for use by a widget engine provided at the client computer system.

Abstract: A system to personalize a widget is provided. An example system to provide a system to personalize a widget comprises a personalization trigger to detect a personalization request to configure a desktop widget available at a client computer system to alter complexity of data rendered by the desktop widget; a screen definition module to determine a personalized screen definition, based on configuration parameters associated with the personalization request; and a screen definition module to provide the personalized screen definition and the associated application data to the client computer system, the personalized screen definition reflecting the altered complexity of data to be rendered by the desktop widget.

Abstract: In a computer system wherein messages are transferred between participants, at least some of which are human users of the computer system using the computer system in furtherance of work projects, and wherein a workflow system handles task-based operations in a structured environment, tasks embodied in messages are handled as tasks in the structure environment by transforming messages into workflow items.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide extension to a groupware client to enable the groupware client to access a workflow of a business process from the context of the groupware client. An enterprise server that manages the workflow can interface with the groupware client to provide action on the workflow from within the context of the groupware client. The enterprise server passes the action to the enterprise backend to implement the action on the workflow. Thus, action on the workflow from the groupware client affects the workflow on the enterprise level. Status information about the workflow may be persisted in the groupware client to enable continued interaction with the workflow from within the groupware client.

Abstract: Composite chains and associated methods are disclosed. A chain in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an arrangement of outer plates, and inner plates joined by connecting pins. Spacers can also be provided between the inner plates as separate components or as part of the connecting pins. The chain can be used for bicycles and/or other machinery. At least one of the components of the chain (e.g., the outside plates, the inside plates, the spacers, and/or the connecting pins) can include a composite material (e.g., a carbon fiber composite material).

Abstract: A system and method for implementing workflow in groupware. According to an embodiment of the invention, a groupware application receives one or more communications over a network from a business process server, the one or more communications associated with one or more work items to be performed by a user via the groupware application, the one or more work items associated with a phase of a workflow managed by the business process server, the groupware application receives one or more other communications over the network from the business process server, the one or more other communications including status information associated with one or more other phases of the workflow managed by the business process, and the groupware application provides the status information to the user within the context of the one or more work items to be performed by the user via the groupware application.

Abstract: A system being monitored generates alerts directed at participants as events to be resolved occur. As a participant resolves an alerted event, the system logs the steps taken by the participant to resolve the event and stores the event resolution log associated with the event. From that event resolution log, a template for a workflow process can be automatically generated. When similar events occur again, the participant for those future events can be provided with the prior stored event resolution log and/or automatically generated templates for a workflow processes corresponding to the stored event resolution log. Iterative generation and editing of templates can be provided for, wherein subsequent event resolutions for similar events are used to modify the workflow process templates developed from previous event resolutions. Events can include conditions being met in data stored by the system or events representing the lack of occurrence of expected events.

Abstract: In a computer system wherein messages are transferred between participants, at least some of which are human users of the computer system using the computer system in furtherance of work projects, and wherein a workflow system handles task-based operations in a structured environment, tasks embodied in messages are handled as tasks in the structure environment by transforming messages into workflow items.

Abstract: Work items are collected from one or more work item providers for presentation to a workflow participant. A work item provider is typically a workflow management system (“WFMS”), but other providers of work items might exist that generate work items and may or may not have their own local worklist. Multiple independent WFMS's of multiple types might provide work items to a universal worklist (“UWL”) service that integrates the work items from all of the providers. Additional integration might be provided between the UWL and work item providers, such as for controlling work item execution with a sub-workflow through an ad-hoc workflow engine. Additional integration provides for custom attributes. Each work item has a type that is used to determine handling for that work item. A universal work list service includes storage for work items, wherein a work item represents a task generated as part of a process flow.

Abstract: In a structured workflow system, a configurable workflow engine provides mechanisms for executing and scheduling the work items in a defined way. End users use their discretion and define their own “local” processes and “local” rules for processing work items, or deviate from predefined processes. The configurable workflow engine might be installed at a server to organize workflows and business processes where end users can define processing steps for incoming work items by setting up rules and defining workflows as part of a local workflow structure. By defining these rules and workflows, the further processing steps of future incoming work items can be automated. When an administrator directs the workflow engine to move from a current phase to a next phase, the workflow engine deals with the incomplete items by allowing the administrator to carry over work items (or might do it automatically). End -user consultation might be included in the carry-over decisions.