Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for defining one of a plurality of process components. At least one inbound operation initiated by an external process component to read or modify data encapsulated in a business object solely associated with the process component is defined. Additionally at least one outbound operation to read or modify data encapsulated in a business object solely associated with an external process component is defined. Each of the process components characterizes software implementing a respective and distinct process, and each of the process components defines a respective at least one service interface for communicating and interacting with other process components. In addition, all communication and interaction between process components takes place through the respective interfaces of the process components.