Building Workflow Applications for SQL Server

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The Workflow Designer for SQL Server included with Microsoft® Office XP Developer makes it possible for you to build workflow-organizing applications based on a Microsoft® SQL Server™ database and a Web site user interface. The easiest method for developing the application is to create a workflow process using Workflow Designer for SQL Server and a user interface using Microsoft® Access, which makes it possible for you to incorporate the Office Developer Workflow Toolbar control into your data access pages. Using Access, it is easy to design and manage the SQL Server database schema and to create data access pages for the Web site user interface.

In This Section

Understanding the Workflow Application

The typical development life cycle involves planning, developing, testing, and distribution. While the workflow application follows this basic cycle, it provides flexibility in the development phase.

• Creating Workflow Applications based on Templates
  Put a copy of a complete workflow application on your server as easily as opening a template.
• Creating Workflow Applications from Databases
  Add workflow to an existing database.
• Understanding the Workflow Process
  Design, build, and utilize a workflow process — the graphic representation of states and events that is the center of a workflow application.
• Setting up a Table Hierarchy
  Identify the main tables to be used in your application, along with associated detail and lookup tables.

Related Sections

Developing Workflow Applications for SQL Server

Simplify the task of creating typical workflow applications, such as forms routing/approval, document review/publishing, and issue tracking, by using the workflow engine and specialized workflow modeling tools of the Workflow Designer of SQL Server.

Workflow Applications Architecture for SQL Server

Understand how the Workflow Designer for SQL Server and Workflow Services for SQL Server help you build, modify, and add script to workflow applications on a database.

• Planning Workflow Applications for SQL Server
  Review the design considerations for the database schema, security, and other aspects affecting a workflow application.
• Developing the User Interface for SQL Server
  Create a web-based form that makes controlled access to the database possible through the workflow process.
• Setting up Accounts, Logins, Roles and Users
  Assign permissions to users through the workflow designer that complement the security of Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and Microsoft® SQL Server™.
• Scripting Workflow Events for SQL Server
  Add script to extend the capability and functionality of your workflow process.
• Creating Templates
  Store a complete workflow application in a reusable, transferable template.
• Troubleshooting Workflow Applications for SQL Server
  Find answers that help avoid or resolve the most common errors and issues you might encounter when using Workflow Designer for SQL Server.