Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to enable the development, deployment and update of composite applications on mobile devices. In one embodiment, a method processor in a mobile device uses a workflow engine to load modules for execution according to a workflow that specifies the execution flow directions based on the outcomes of the modules. Detached object managers can be used to manage locally data that are checked out from data sources. A object manager can maintain multiple versions of the data locally, receive changes, submit changes, and/or detect conflicts. Conflicts can be resolved over time. Using a check-out check-in model, different devices can work on the same data without having to synchronize with a server sequentially. Data and workflow can be packaged together for transmission over a sometime connected network (e.g., via email) such that a method processor does not have to wait for response if the network connection is not available.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to enable the development, deployment and update of composite applications on mobile devices. In one embodiment, a method processor in a mobile device may include a workflow engine and a cache manager which looks ahead of the current execution of a workflow to preload modules. The method processor may present modal user interfaces in a non-modal way to eliminate flicker, and use a logger to stamp the workflow related data with real time measurements, such as time, location, and vehicle bus information. The logger may capture screen images and global data of the workflow during the execution. The log data stream may be collected and sent from the mobile device in real time, or in a batch mode, for monitoring, debugging, diagnosing or tuning the execution of a workflow, for providing hot update, help and guidance against deviation during the execution, and for other features.