Long-running business processes are all around us. A retailer can't ship a product until after the credit card has been charged, but only if the user hasn't canceled the order in the meantime. After spending a certain amount of money, a customer attains preferred status, entitling them to free shipping. Frequent flyers with Gold status get more frequent upgrades to first class and access to special airport lounges where they get free beer. And really, is there anything more important than free beer?