Abstract: A system and a method, capable of executing a process operation by using a plurality of applications, are provided. While a corresponding relationship of data used in these applications is previously defined, a data converting unit converts data about an execution result of an application. An application initiating unit executes another application by using the converted data. The present invention has an object to provide both a system and a method, capable of controlling an execution of an application program, while data can be transferred/received among plural application programs having no specific relationship with each other. Furthermore, the present invention has another object to provide both a workflow system and a workflow method, capable of utilizing application programs which are different from each other every process previously defined in the workflow.

Abstract: A method for converting directory data is executed to selectively reflect any entry of the directory data onto application data. The directory data converting method includes the steps of searching from the directory data the data of the directory entry specified by a filtering rule corresponding to the application data; converting the searched directory entry data according to the schema conversion rule compatible with the filtering rule used for searching the data; and reflecting the schema-converted entry data onto said application data.

Abstract: A workflow system for causing an external business system to execute a part of works, includes a unit for defining the external business system as one of the works, a unit for obtaining the status of the work being executed in the external business system, a unit for defining a process for suspending the work being executed in the external business system, and a unit for instructing the external business system to suspend the work being executed in the external business system. The unit for defining the process of suspension defines whether suspension can be performed, the suspension process, and a recovery process in accordance with the status of the work being executed in the external business system.

Abstract: A directory system for performing replication of directory data, in which a directory server on the consumer side can reconstruct replica data using a backup kept at any point in time. Information 10c for specifying the entry changed for the last time by replication performed by replication service 10′ is recorded into the replica data 9c managed by the directory server on the consumer side. Based on this information, the replication service 10′ can know the entry on which next replication is to be performed. Thus, the replication service 10′ can recognize the difference between the master data 9s managed by the directory server on the supplier side and the replica data 9c, and can perform replication on this difference when only the replica data 9c is reconstructed using the backup.

Abstract: A system and a method, capable of executing a process operation by using a plurality of applications, are provided. While a corresponding relationship of data used in these applications is previously defined, a data converting unit converts data about an execution result of an application. An application initiating unit executes another application by using the converted data. The present invention has an object to provide both a system and a method, capable of controlling an execution of an application program, while data can be transferred/received among plural application programs having no specific relationship with each other. Furthermore, the present invention has another object to provide both a workflow system and a workflow method, capable of utilizing application programs which are different from each other every process previously defined in the workflow.

Abstract: A directory system for performing replication of directory data, in which a directory server on the consumer side can reconstruct replica data using a backup kept at any point in time. Information 10c for specifying the entry changed for the last time by replication performed by replication service 10′ is recorded into the replica data 9c managed by the directory server on the consumer side. Based on this information, the replication service 10′ can know the entry on which next replication is to be performed. Thus, the replication service 10′ can recognize the difference between the master data 9s managed by the directory server on the supplier side and the replica data 9c, and can perform replication on this difference when only the replica data 9c is reconstructed using the backup.