Abstract: A workflow server can receive requests, each for a business process workflow conforming to a business process model. Each business process workflow can include a set of interdependent tasks. The workflow server can satisfy received requests by assigning tasks to different service providers that provide software services. Each of the tasks can be assigned to corresponding ones of the software services. For each task, the workflow server can also defines an allocated cost per software service, and a time allocation per software service for completing the corresponding one of the tasks. Different service providers, including those assigned to tasks, can receive information for ones of the tasks not directly assigned to them by the workflow server. The different service providers can then bid on these tasks. Wherein when bids are won, tasks for a business process flow can be reassigned based on winning bids.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for preventing unauthorized access to a password-protected system by authenticating a user over a communication medium. Authentication of a user is accomplished by sending to the user, via a communication medium, an instruction that includes at least one element in which the user is directed to provide input that is not alphanumeric. Examples of such elements include, but are not limited to, a directive that the user place an object in a specific position on a display screen or that the user touch a specific location on a touch screen display. Once the user replies to the instruction over the communication medium with the requested input, an authentication server receives the input and checks it to determine whether the input complies with the issued instruction.