A method of assigning resources to nodes in a workflow. In one embodiment, a plurality of nodes are defined. Each of the nodes is a task to be executed within the workflow. In the present embodiment, resources are defined to perform the execution of the nodes. In the present embodiment, a set of data items is stored. The stored data items comprise variables pertaining to workflow execution in the workflow. In the present embodiment, those defined resources are assigned to execute each of the nodes, according to a set of rules. In the present embodiment, the set of rules is for controlling the execution of the workflow.