Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for executing business processes in a distributed computer system (e.g., cloud-based) environment. A representation of the business process is decomposed into executable components. The executable components each have assigned thereto process and sequence identifiers, and each is classified as having an executable component types. The executable component types including integration, task, and data flow types. The integration flow type represents activities to be performed in connection with external computer systems, the task flow type represents human-interactive activities, and the data flow type represents activities to be performed on data relevant to the business process.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, an extensible and/or distributed security system is provided. In certain example embodiments the security system provides authorization to a resource of a first application. In the first application, a security context is created and a client is authenticated to the first application. A request is accepted in the first application to access at least one resource. The first application communicates with an authorization application to determine authorization to the at least one resource. In the authorization application, an authorization process is executed which communicates with another application that defines a step of the authorization process for this resource. Based on that step, it is determined whether the first application allows access to the at least one resource for the client.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for executing business processes in a distributed computer system (e.g., cloud-based) environment. A representation of the business process is decomposed into executable components. The executable components each have assigned thereto process and sequence identifiers, and each is classified as having an executable component types. The executable component types including integration, task, and data flow types. The integration flow type represents activities to be performed in connection with external computer systems, the task flow type represents human-interactive activities, and the data flow type represents activities to be performed on data relevant to the business process.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, an extensible and/or distributed security system is provided. In certain example embodiments the security system provides authorization to a resource of a first application. In the first application, a security context is created and a client is authenticated to the first application. A request is accepted in the first application to access at least on resource. The first application communicates with an authorization application to determine authorization to the at least one resource. In the authorization application, an authorization process is executed which communicates with another application that defines a step of the authorization process for this resource. Based on that step, it is determined whether the first application allows access to the at least one resource for the client.