Workflow initiated by graphical symbols

A method for workflow processing of objects stored in a memory of a computer system comprising:

• storing an object, which is to be processed, in the memory of the computer system;
• reading the object, which is to be processed, from the memory and adding a graphical symbol to the object;
• processing the graphical symbol and object with middleware, with the middleware being a program module providing a service to a client application allowing the client application to communicate with a server application;
• and
• in response to the processing of the graphical symbol with the middleware, initiating actions to process the object in accordance with business rules, with the business rules being at least one of a set of controls or procedures by which a computer implemented business process is conducted;
• and wherein
• the graphical symbol is an object which, when interpreted by the middleware into a computer readable format, initiates an action resulting in the use of at least one tool to process the object with each tool performing a different operation on the object or at least one additional event or changing at least one attribute of the object, based on the business rules.