Providing a different configuration of added functionality for each of the stages of predeployment, deployment, and post deployment using a layer of abstraction

A method for providing a different configuration of added functionality for each of stages of predeployment, deployment, and post deployment using a layer of abstraction, the method comprising:

• providing a layer of abstraction for developing, configuring, displaying, selecting, and re-configuring connectors used through stages of predeployment, deployment, and post-deployment;
• creating a connector with the layer of abstraction, wherein the connector provides a first configuration of added functionality to software components for calling a web service;
• using the connector to tie a step of a process-based software application to the web service;
• and
• providing a different configuration of added functionality for each of the stages of predeployment, deployment, and post deployment using the layer of abstraction.

An apparatus for providing a different configuration of added functionality for each of stages of predeployment, deployment, and post deployment using a layer of abstraction, the apparatus comprising:

• one or more hardware processors;
• a non-transitory processor-readable storage device including instructions for:
• providing a layer of abstraction for developing, configuring, displaying, selecting, and re-configuring connectors used through stages of predeployment, deployment, and post-deployment;
• creating a connector with the layer of abstraction, wherein the connector provides a first configuration of added functionality to software components for calling a web service;
• using the connector to tie a step of a process-based software application to the web service;
• and
• providing a different configuration of added functionality for each of the stages of predeployment, deployment, and post deployment using the layer of abstraction.