Flexible alternative to event brokers: webhooks in the BDI Framework

Event-driven coordination is a key pillar of the BDI. Traditionally, event brokers such as Kafka or Pulsar are used to connect parties through a publish/subscribe model. These solutions are powerful but often too complex and bulky for smaller companies and networks.

A potential alternative currently being explored is the use of webhooks — user-defined HTTP callbacks — as a communication protocol for event choreography in static networks. While this approach is less automated than a full event broker, it offers a flexible and accessible solution for companies needing a lighter infrastructure.

Implementing a webhook-based framework requires clear agreements on identification, lists, and procedures. As more parties and layers of subcontractors become involved, further analysis of the required processes becomes necessary. This research may lead to new SaaS solutions that address the need for scalable, simpler event distribution within smaller business ecosystems.