Abstract: A method for workflow processing of objects stored in the memory of a computer system in accordance with the invention includes storing an object, which is to be processed, in the memory of a computer system; reading the object, which is to be processed, from the memory, and adding a graphical symbol to the object; processing the graphical symbol with middleware; and in response to the processing of the graphical symbol with the middleware initiating actions to process the object in accordance with business rules; and wherein the graphical symbol is an object which, when interpreted by the middleware into a computer readable format, initiates an action resulting in the use of at least one tool to process the object with each tool performing a different operation on the object or at least one additional object event or changing at least one attribute of the object, based on business rules, with the rules being comprised of at least one of the set of controls or procedures under which a computer implemented bus