US university turns to SOA to automate workflow

US-based Pennsylvania State University has overhauled the system it uses to manage its business processes and is now ready to run it across campus using a new service-oriented architecture, reports ComputerWorld.

After working for 18 months to get new business process management (BPM) tools ready to replace a workflow system that was more than 15 years old, the university is ready to begin testing the system using non-critical processes.

Once the test is completed, the system, called Workflow, will be extended to more-critical processes over the following 12 to 18 months. Officials said the system is expected to quickly reduce the cost of running the 75-plus business processes used by about 16 000 university employees in 23 locations.

BPM software provider Lombardi has introduced the latest release of Lombardi for Office 2003, reports DMReview.

The company`s desktop-based product integrates the Lombardi TeamWorks BPM software platform with the Microsoft Office System and allows any employee to participate in any business process directly from their desktop using Microsoft Office software - including Word, Excel, Outlook, Office Communicator and InfoPath.

The new release expands end-user capabilities to include skills-based and context-sensitive collaboration, making it easier for process participants to engage the right people at the right time anywhere in the organisation to drive business process improvement.

Workflow solutions provider ADOS has expanded its European presence, and now provides sales support for the UK and Ireland, reports Carolina Newswire.

Sales manager Tony Fullylove, who has 20 years of document management experience in Europe, will lead the new office.

The expansion into the UK is as a result of ADOS`s aim to establishing a strong global network of local sales and support offices that will be able to respond to both market opportunities and the needs of its customers and partners.