A formal model for exception handling in BPEL process

The formal model for exception handling is important foundation to verify termination, correctness and other properties. The current study rarely focuses on the formal model for exception handling in BPEL process, thus exception handling is not guaranteed to achieve the desired objectives. Therefore, this paper proposes a formal model for exception handling in BPEL process based on hierarchical colored Petri net. Firstly, in order to build this model, this paper gives formal model of BPEL activities. Secondly, this paper describes the normal process modules for various scopes in normal logic and the exception handling modules for exception handling logic in the process. Thirdly, according as the models established, this paper describes the integration model which contains the normal process and exception handling logic based on Petri net integration technologies. Finally, a case study is carried on to verify effectiveness and soundness of the proposed formal model. The result shows that this model can realize formal modeling of exception handling in BPEL, and further provide support for analysis and verification of properties relating to exception handling.