KB169411802: WebCenter - What is the difference between JDF and JMF for Workflow Connection

Question

When setting up a Workflow Connection, what is the difference between JMF Service and JDF Hot Folder? Which one should I use?

Answer

When setting up Workflow Connections in WebCenter, you can either use a JMF Service or JDF Hot Folder. The differences are described below.

JDF Hotfolder

When using a JDF Workflow Connection, the synchronization will be described by a JDF file containing Project information and will be created any time WebCenter synchronizes with Automation Engine. This file will be placed in a Hot Folder shared by Automation Engine and WebCenter. Automation Engine will monitor this folder and process all the JDF files it finds.

 If Automation Engine is not running, the JDF will sit in the Hot Folder until Automation Engine resumes, the synchronization request will not be lost.

 When sending a Project over to Automation Engine, it will not be uploaded immediately. Automation Engine will monitor the files in the Hot Folders depending on the monitoring interval. The interval varies between "event-driven" (instant) to 30 min

 The Submit Workflow node in WebCenter's Workflow Engine is not supported by Workflow Connections over JDF Hot Folders.

JMF Service

When using a JMF Workflow Connection, the JDF message will be wrapped in a JMF message and be posted to an address for each synchronization event. The address where the JMF is posted is: http://<servername>:4411/JDFP/JMF.

 You get real time feedback from Automation Engine when sending to the server.

 If Automation Engine is not running and the JMF request is sent out, Automation Engine will not receive it and the request will be lost.