Abstract: Described is a method for software developers to generate a portal for a business role. The portal includes portlets arranged in a page layout for accessing web based resources. Industry specific information associated with the business role is mapped to web based resources. Portlets for providing data associated with the web based capabilities are identified and assembled in the layout of the portal. The developer can modify the layout and change a portlet associated with a particular capability. The method enables existing knowledge associated with a business role to be integrated into a rapid development tool. Fast portlet development functionality is combined with an automated workplace creation technique. Consequently, software products can be delivered to the marketplace in less time than products generated through traditional software development techniques.