Extending Functionality of Workflow applications using Instant Messaging (IM)
Plug-ins for instant messaging (IM) systems are described. By using plug-ins in conjunction with IM systems, the functionality of IM systems may be greatly extended. Specifically, in business applications, such as workflow processes, IM provides a more reliable approach to determining actual delivery of messages.
1 . An instant messaging (IM) system comprising:
an IM client adapted to receive a workflow request; and
a workflow plug-in adapted to process the workflow request.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the IM client is further adapted to search a predefined directory for the workflow plug-in.
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the IM client is further adapted to launch the workflow plug-in in response to finding the workflow plug-in in the predefined directory.
4 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the IM client is further adapted to download the workflow plug-in from a plug-in server in response to not finding the workflow plug-in in the predefined directory.
5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the IM client is further adapted to register the downloaded workflow plug-in.
6 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the IM client is further adapted to convey, to the workflow plug-in, data delineated by an application identifier in a received data stream.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the IM client is further adapted to send a request for the workflow plug-in.
8 . An instant messaging (IM) method comprising:
receiving a workflow request; and
processing the workflow request via a workflow plug-in.
9 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising searching a predefined directory for the workflow plug-in.
10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising launching the workflow plug-in in response to finding the workflow plug-in in the predefined directory.
11 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising downloading the workflow plug-in from a plug-in server in response to not finding the workflow plug-in in the predefined directory.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising registering the downloaded workflow plug-in.
13 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising conveying, to the workflow plug-in, data delineated by an application identifier in a received data stream.
14 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising sending a request for the workflow plug-in.
15 . An instant messaging (IM) computer readable storage medium comprising:
IM client logic adapted to receive a workflow request; and
workflow plug-in logic adapted to process the workflow request.
16 . The computer readable storage medium of claim 15 , wherein the IM client logic is further adapted to search a predefined directory for the workflow plug-in logic.
17 . The computer readable storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the IM client logic is further adapted to launch the workflow plug-in logic in response to finding the workflow plug-in logic in the predefined directory.
18 . The computer readable storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the IM client logic is further adapted to download the workflow plug-in logic from a plug-in server in response to not finding the workflow plug-in logic in the predefined directory.
19 . The computer readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the IM client logic is further adapted to register the downloaded workflow plug-in logic.
20 . The computer readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the IM client logic is further adapted to convey, to the workflow plug-in logic, data delineated by an application identifier in a received data stream.