In this chapter, we considered workflows with and without human intervention. We looked again in the case of federated data search and focused on its workflow. We compared different technologies that Microsoft offers in this domain.
One of the main conclusions we can make is that BizTalk is not positioned to be the core software for workflow systems despite its excellent orchestration engine. Its main capabilities lie in the area of message exchange, data transformation, and an easy connectivity to a myriad of systems through its extensive set of adapters. Using it just to support workflows is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
In the next chapter, we move the focus of our discussion to the presentation layer of multilayered software systems.