Workflow Engine
Workflow engine is a software application meant to manage and execute modeled computer processes.
It is a key component in workflow technology. It will typically make use of a database server.
The workflow engine will interpret events such as documents submitted to the server or due dates expiring and act on these events according to the defined computer processes. The actions may be anything from saving the document in a document management system to issuing new work by sending an e-mail to users or escalating overdue work items to management. In other words, one can say that a Workflow Engine facilitates the flow of information, tasks and events or one can say that it is the heart of a workflow application.
List of workflow engines:
Powerful and Multi platform OEM Java WorkFlow Engine