Using UML to develop grid workflow applications

A general and integrated method to develop grid workflow applications based on UML is introduced in this paper. Specifying grid workflow vocabularies with UML is illustrated firstly by graphical presentation of grid workflow vocabulary for the ASCI. On the basis of BPEL4WS and GSFL, the problem of specifying Open Service Workflow Language (OSWFL) with UML to design workflow applications in WSRF is addressed. Secondly, it shows that UML can be customized through a 'UML Profile' for graphical presentation of grid workflow applications. Lastly, through extension of BPEL4WS mapping, the problem that how to automatically generate a concrete OSWFL application instance from a UML model meeting the profile is explained. In general, both modeling of grid workflow vocabularies and grid workflow applications can be implemented with UML, and the XML-based OSWFL Schema generated from UML vocabulary model can be used to validate the OSWFL application instance, therefore, a special model checking language is avoided.