초록 ▼

A system and method for distributed resource management in a computer network operating under control of workflow management software system (WFMS) to manage plural resources to perform a workflow process that includes multiple process activities, uses two-step resource assignment to manage resource

A system and method for distributed resource management in a computer network operating under control of workflow management software system (WFMS) to manage plural resources to perform a workflow process that includes multiple process activities, uses two-step resource assignment to manage resources at two levels. The resources are grouped by capabilities into resource groups controlled by a local resource manager (LRM), which maintains dynamic status of each resource, such as availability and load, as well as their roles and addresses. A global resource manager (GRM) stores resource data only about the groups: capabilities and status. The WFMS invokes the GRM, requesting a specified resource activity. The GRM checks the stored capabilities and status among the resource groups, selects the resource group capable of the specified activity and available, and forwards the request to the LRM for the selected group. The LRM selects one of the resources in the group to perform the specified activity and assigns the activity to that resource.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim all modifications and variations coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims:] [1.] A method for distributed resource management in a computer network including multiple computers operating under control of a workflow management software system (WFMS) to manage a plurality

[ We claim all modifications and variations coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims:] [1.] A method for distributed resource management in a computer network including multiple computers operating under control of a workflow management software system (WFMS) to manage a plurality of resources to carry out a workflow process that includes multiple process activities, the computers comprising a processor, memory and input/output facilities, the method comprising:grouping the resources according to a shared set of capabilities into resource groups including at least one resource;storing in a first of said computers a global resource manager (GRM) and data defining a resource capability of one or more of said groups and a resource status for each group;storing in a second of said computers a local resource manager (LRM) for at least one of the groups and data defining a capability and status of each resource in each group coupled to the second computer;operating the WFMS to invoke the global resource manager with a request for a specified activity by one of the resources in the system; andthe GRM responding to the request by checking the stored capabilities and status the resource groups, selecting one of the resource groups having the capability to perform the specified activity and a status that enables the group to do so, and forwarding the request to the LRM of the second computer for the selected resource group.