Is Amazon Simple Workflow Service (SWF) suitable for automating long-running human tasks?

Amazon Simple Workflow Service (SWF) is indeed well-suited for automating long-running human tasks because it is designed to manage complex workflows that can involve both automated activities and tasks requiring human interaction. SWF allows developers to build applications that can orchestrate the execution of tasks, manage task states, and handle failures effectively.

One of the key features of SWF is its ability to track the status of ongoing tasks, regardless of whether they are automated or require human approval. This capability means that when a long-running human task is initiated, SWF can monitor its progress and state, ensuring that the workflow continues seamlessly. It facilitates coordination between different components of a workflow, making it easier to manage states like waiting for a user to complete a task.

The architecture of SWF is particularly beneficial for applications where tasks might take an indeterminate amount of time to complete, such as in scenarios involving approvals, reviews, or other processes that hinge on human input. This ability to maintain workflow continuity, even with human involvement, underscores why SWF is an effective choice for these types of applications.