Summary

This chapter gave you a little background on the history of software development and a crash course in workflow. You learned that because workflow is already a predominant function of traditional software development, it makes sense for workflow-specific platforms to exist.

There are several traits that a workflow platform should possess. Workflows should coordinate work performed by people and software, and should be long running and stateful, based on extensible models, and transparent and dynamic throughout their lifecycle.

You were also introduced to Windows Workflow Foundation, Microsoft’s answer to the problem of workflow in software. Windows Workflow Foundation is part of the .NET Framework 3.0.

Finally, this chapter discussed who should consider using Windows Workflow Foundation and why.