A framework for the management of context-aware workflow systems

This paper presents the CAWE framework for the context-aware management of applications based on the composition of Web Services in complex workflows. We introduce a representation of context-dependent activities based on an abstraction hierarchy which supports the specification of synthetic and clear workflows. Moreover, we propose a framework architecture which enriches the capabilities of a workflow engine in order to support the execution of possibly complex adaptation rules. We have exploited the CAWE framework to develop a prototype application handling a medical guideline which specifies the activities to be performed in order to monitor patients treated with blood thinners from their home. The application coordinates actors playing different roles (e.g., patient, doctor, etc.) and can be accessed by using diverse client devices.