ÐFault tolerance is a key requirement in Process Support Systems (PSS), a class of distributed computing middleware encompassing applications such as workflow management systems and process centered software engineering environments. A PSS controls the flow of work between programs and users in networked environments based on a ªmetaprogramº (the process). The resulting applications are characterized by a high degree of distribution and a high degree of heterogeneity (properties that make fault tolerance both highly desirable and difficult to achieve.) In this paper, we present a solution for implementing more reliable processes by using exception handling, as it is used in programming languages, and atomicity, as it is known from the transaction concept in database management systems. The paper describes the mechanism incorporating both transactions and exceptions and presents a validation technique allowing to assess the correctness of process specifications.

The Internet and the proliferation of inexpensive computing power in the form of clusters of workstations or PCs provide the basic hardware infrastructure for business to business electronic commerce in small and medium enterprises. Unfortunately, the corresponding software infrastructure is still missing. In this paper we show a way to develop appropriate tools for electronic commerce by describing the approach we have taken in the WISE project (Workflow based Interned SErvices). The goals of WISE are to develop and deploy the software infrastructure necessary to support business to business electronic commerce in the form of virtual enterprises. The idea is to combine the tools and services of different companies as building blocks of a higher level system in which a process acts as the blueprint for control and data flow within the virtual enterprise. From this idea, the final goal is to build the basic support for an Internet trading community where enterprises can join their services to provide added value processes.

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -This paper aims to describe how process reengineering, combined with the use of modern process-oriented information technology, can lead to substantial improvements in terms of overall process quality. Design/methodology/approach -A real-life case study from the financial industry is used to show how process management can take place in a competitive business area. Four processes (each with a different characteristic) are used to explain the approaches implemented. Findings -Through the combination of process restructuring and the application of modern IT, processes can be improved significantly. First of all, cycle times of the restructured business processes have been reduced. Second, reliability of processes has been improved. Third, process-related performance has become more visible, which in turn is a good basis for further enhanced performance. Originality/value -This experience report illustrates that the concept of process reengineering is applicable, and that the potential of many processes is still considerable. It shows how competitiveness in the service industry can be improved.

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