Nected vs. Microsoft Rule Engine: A Comprehensive Comparison

In today's fast-paced world of software development, there's a need for tools that help make decisions quickly and efficiently. Imagine a tool that acts like a smart assistant, helping businesses decide what to do next based on their rules. This is where rule engines come in.

One well-known tool in this area is the Microsoft Rules Engine. Think of it as a sophisticated set of tools that helps businesses automate their decision-making. It's like having a really efficient helper in the office that knows all the rules of the business and applies them perfectly every time.

But there's a new player in town called Nected. Nected's Rule Engine is designed to make things even easier and faster. It's like having an even smarter assistant that not only knows the rules but also helps you change them quickly and easily when needed, without needing to be a tech wizard.

Both these tools aim to make life easier for businesses by helping them make decisions quickly and accurately, based on the rules they set. Let's dive deeper into what they offer and how they compare.

Understanding Microsoft Rules Engine

The Microsoft Rules Engine is like a complex machine with several important parts, each playing a crucial role in decision-making:

1. Ruleset Executor (The Inference Engine): This is the heart of the system. Imagine it as the brain that reads and understands all the rules. It takes a look at each rule, figures out which ones are relevant at the moment, and then applies them.
2. Ruleset Translator: This part acts like a translator. It takes the rules, which are written in a way humans can understand, and turns them into a format that the machine, or the Ruleset Executor, can work with.
3. Rule Set Tracking Interceptor: Think of this as the observer. It keeps an eye on what the Ruleset Executor is doing. It's particularly useful when you need to check on the system's performance or troubleshoot issues.

Understanding the Workflow through a Three-Stage Algorithm

The workflow of the Microsoft Rules Engine can be seen as a three-step process:

1. Match Stage: Here, the engine starts by looking at all the information it has and checks which rules apply. It's like sifting through a bunch of puzzle pieces and finding the ones that fit the current situation.
2. Conflict Resolution Stage: Sometimes, more than one rule might seem applicable. This stage is about deciding which rule fits the best. It's like having multiple solutions to a problem and figuring out the most suitable one.
3. Action Stage: After choosing the right rule, it's time to put it into action. This stage is about doing what the rule says, whether it’s sending an email, updating a record, or anything else the rule is designed to do.

Microsoft Rules Engine works as a comprehensive, intelligent system that helps businesses automate their decision-making process. It carefully evaluates, selects, and applies rules to make efficient and accurate decisions based on the specific requirements of the situation.

Microsoft Rules Engine: Components and Workflow

The Business Rule Engine, a key component of the Microsoft Rules Engine, stands as a sophisticated infrastructure for executing rule sets. It operates as a dynamic execution context, orchestrating the evaluation of conditions and the execution of actions based on predefined rules. To comprehend its functionality, it's essential to delve into the core components that make up this engine.

How to Use Microsoft Business Rule Engine

The Microsoft Rules Engine (MS Rule Engine) simplifies decision-making processes by providing a framework to define, manage, and execute business rules. Here's how you can use the engine effectively:

1. Install the Rules Engine Package

• Add the Microsoft Rules Engine NuGet package to your project using the command:
• dotnet add package RulesEngine



2. Define Business Rules

• Create rules in JSON format. Each rule contains conditions, inputs, and actions.For example:

{
   "WorkflowName": "OrderDiscountWorkflow",
   "Rules": [
       {
           "RuleName": "ApplyDiscount",
           "Expression": "input1.TotalAmount > 1000",
           "Actions": {
               "OnSuccess": {
                   "Name": "Apply10PercentDiscount"
               }
           }
       }
   ]
}



3. Initialize the Rules Engine

• Load the workflow and initialize the Rules Engine in your code.

var workflows = new[] { "path-to-rules-file.json" };
var rulesEngine = new RulesEngine.RulesEngine(workflows, null);



4. Execute the Workflow

• Provide the required inputs and execute the workflow using the ExecuteAllRulesAsync method.

var inputs = new RuleParameter("input1", new { TotalAmount = 1200 });
var results = await rulesEngine.ExecuteAllRulesAsync("OrderDiscountWorkflow", inputs);



5. Analyze the Results

• Evaluate the results to determine whether actions were triggered based on the rule conditions.

The Microsoft Rules Engine Example above demonstrates applying a discount based on a customer's order total.

Steps to Use a Custom Action in Microsoft Business Rule Engine

Using a custom action in the Microsoft Business Rules Engine enables you to extend its capabilities by adding your custom logic to be executed when a rule is triggered. Here are the steps to implement a custom action:

1. Create a Custom Action Class

• Develop a class that implements the IActionProvider interface provided by the Microsoft Rules Engine.
• Define the PerformAction method where the custom logic will be written.For example:

public class CustomAction : IActionProvider {
   public ValueTask<object> PerformAction(ActionContext context, RuleParameter[] ruleParameters) {
       // Add custom logic here
       return new ValueTask<object>("Custom action executed");
   }
}



2. Register the Custom Action

• Add the custom action to the MS Rule Engine configuration during the engine setup.
• Use the RulesEngineOptions to register the action provider.

var customActionProvider = new CustomAction();
var reOptions = new RulesEngineOptions { ActionProviders = new List<IActionProvider> { customActionProvider } };
var rulesEngine = new RulesEngine.RulesEngine(workflows, reOptions);



3. Define the Action in Rules

• While defining your rules in the JSON format, include the custom action name in the rule's Actions section.

{
   "WorkflowName": "SampleWorkflow",
   "Rules": [
       {
           "RuleName": "CustomActionRule",
           "Actions": {
               "OnSuccess": {
                   "Name": "CustomAction"
               }
           }
       }
   ]
}



4. Test the Custom Action

• Run the workflow with sample inputs and verify the execution of the custom action.

Database Interaction with Microsoft Rules Engine

In the world of rule engines, how they interact with databases is crucial. The Microsoft Rules Engine offers specific ways to handle data, which is key for making informed decisions based on real-world information.

Helper Classes for Data Handling

The engine uses special helper classes to interact with databases. These classes are like bridges, connecting the rules engine to the data it needs to process rules effectively.

1. TypedDataRow:
   1. Best for scenarios where rules deal with data from specific tables or a limited number of rows.
   2. Think of it as a precise tool for handling detailed data on a smaller scale.‍
2. TypedDataTable:
   1. Suitable when dealing with a collection of TypedDataRow objects.
   2. Ideal for scenarios where a small, known set of data rows are relevant.
   3. It's like a folder holding several related documents, each representing a row in a database.‍
3. DataConnection:
   1. This class represents a more dynamic approach.
   2. It’s used for accessing a table in a database through a connection, ideal for larger datasets.
   3. It can be seen as a direct line to a database, retrieving data as needed.

In summary, while the Microsoft Rules Engine offers robust ways to interact with databases, it's important to choose the right approach based on the specific needs of the application. Understanding these nuances helps in utilizing the Microsoft Rules Engine effectively, especially when dealing with database interactions. However, for those looking for simpler or different approaches to database interaction in rule processing, alternatives like Nected's Rule Engine may offer a different set of features and functionalities that could be more aligned with their needs.

Limitations and Considerations of Microsoft Rules Engine

The Microsoft Rules Engine, while robust and versatile, presents certain limitations and considerations, particularly when compared to alternative solutions like Nected's Rule Engine:

1. Performance with Different Fact Types: The Microsoft Rules Engine performs better with .NET facts compared to XML and database facts. For optimal performance, .NET facts are recommended, but this could limit flexibility in data handling, especially in environments where XML or database facts are predominant.
2. Data Binding Efficiency: The efficiency of the Rules Engine varies depending on the data set size. For smaller datasets (fewer than approximately 10 rows), TypedDataTable binding is more efficient, while for larger datasets, DataConnection binding performs better. This necessitates careful consideration of the data set size when setting up rules, potentially complicating the setup for users with varying dataset sizes.
3. Update Function Overhead: The 'Update' function in the Rules Engine, which updates facts in the working memory, can be costly. If many rules are affected by an updated fact, all these rules need to be reevaluated, leading to potential performance issues. This can be a significant concern in complex systems where frequent updates are common.
4. Optimization for Logical Operators: The Rules Engine is optimized for logical AND operators, not OR operators. Using many OR operators in conditions can expand the analysis network, leading to longer normalization times for rules. This could pose a challenge in scenarios requiring complex logical operations, affecting the engine's efficiency and responsiveness.
5. Caching and Side Effects: The way caching is handled in Microsoft Rules Engine can impact performance. For example, when accessing fields of XML documents or database tables for the second time or later, the values are retrieved from the cache. In contrast, values from .NET objects are always retrieved from the object itself, not the cache. This behavior, which can only be altered programmatically, may affect performance in scenarios involving repeated access to the same data elements.

Introduction to Nected's Rule Engine

Nected's Rule Engine represents a significant advancement in the realm of automated decision-making and rule processing. It is a modern, dynamic platform designed to simplify and accelerate the development of data-driven rules. Nected offers a user-friendly no-code editor, allowing users to create complex rules seamlessly. The engine integrates easily with databases, enabling users to define conditions, search for these conditions in the database, and then modify database records based on the results. This functionality is particularly useful for performing bulk updates, ensuring quick, secure, and accurate database modifications.

Nected as an Alternative to Microsoft Rules Engine

Nected stands out as a worthy alternative to the Microsoft Rules Engine, especially when considering the latter's limitations. Where Microsoft's engine may struggle with performance issues related to different fact types, data binding efficiency, update function overhead, and caching strategies, Nected's approach is designed to be more straightforward and efficient.

Nected's strengths lie in its:

• Ease of Use: With its no-code editor, Nected simplifies the creation and management of rules, making it accessible to users without extensive technical expertise.
• Flexibility: The platform's ability to easily integrate with various data sources and APIs enhances its adaptability in diverse operational environments.

Common Use Cases of Nected's Rule Engine

Nected's Rule Engine is versatile and can be applied in various scenarios, including:

• Dynamic Pricing: Adjusting prices in response to market conditions.
• Discounting Rules: Creating and modifying discounting criteria dynamically.
• Lead Allocation and Scoring: Optimizing sales processes by prioritizing leads based on predefined criteria.
• Custom Use Cases in Minutes: Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Nected.ai's Rule Engine is its ability to cater to custom use cases rapidly. Users can ideate, implement, and iterate on rule-based scenarios in a matter of minutes, significantly reducing the time traditionally associated with custom rule development.

Creating Rules in Nected: An Example

To illustrate how Nected can handle a rule-making scenario, let's consider the same example used for Microsoft Rules Engine - evaluating an applicant's income for a loan application. In Nected:

1. Rule Setup: Using the no-code editor, the user can quickly define a rule, such as "If Applicant.Income / Loan.Amount < 0.3, then Decline Loan Application".
2. Data Integration: Nected's seamless database integration allows the rule to directly interact with the relevant applicant data.
3. Complex Logic Handling: Nected supports various rule types, including 'SimpleRule' for straightforward if/then/else logic, 'DecisionTable' for scenarios requiring evaluation of multiple variables, and 'Ruleset' for managing a collection of rules.
4. Rule Components: A Nected rule consists of input sources, conditions, output data, and actions. This structure enables users to define the logic, specify the output, and determine the subsequent actions to be taken based on the rule outcome.

Overall, Nected's Rule Engine offers a more intuitive and flexible approach compared to the Microsoft Rules Engine, making it an appealing alternative for businesses seeking efficient rule processing capabilities.

Nected vs. Microsoft Rule engine

In the evolving landscape of rule engines, a comparative analysis between Nected and the Microsoft Rules Engine unveils distinct features and advantages. The table below highlights key aspects, providing insights into their respective strengths.

Use Case	Salesforce Business Rule Engine	Nected
Automating Decision-Making	Specialized in automating decisions within Salesforce, like eligibility for discounts.	Offers automation beyond Salesforce, ideal for diverse system environments.
Implementing Business Logic	Implements logic specifically within Salesforce, e.g., handling specific order sizes.	Flexible in applying business logic across multiple platforms and systems.
Enforcing Policies	Enforces policies within Salesforce applications, such as mandatory email verification.	Potentially enforces policies more broadly across various software environments.
Personalizing Customer Experiences	Personalizes experiences within Salesforce, like product recommendations based on history.	Could provide integrated customer experience personalization across various apps.
Managing Risk	Manages risk related to sensitive data within Salesforce, controlling data access.	Offers risk management features potentially extending to a wider range of apps.

In summary, Nected's Rule Engine distinguishes itself with its no-code, low-code advantage and a focus on rapid development, aligning closely with the goal of iterating and releasing faster. On the other hand, the Microsoft Rules Engine, while powerful and versatile, may require a more traditional coding approach and is well-suited for users with a deeper technical understanding. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs, expertise, and preferences of the development team.

Conclusion

The comparison between Nected and Microsoft Rules Engine highlights how each caters to different needs in the world of rule-based systems. Nected's Rule Engine, with its no-code, low-code approach, offers an accessible and swift development process, making it ideal for users seeking rapid development cycles and flexible integration with databases and APIs. Its user-friendly interface and ability to rapidly iterate on custom use cases make it a standout choice for a broad range of applications.

Conversely, the Microsoft Rules Engine, while requiring more technical expertise, provides a robust and versatile environment, especially well-suited for systematic policy execution and for those comfortable with a traditional coding approach.

For those looking to streamline their decision-making processes and enhance efficiency, exploring Nected's Rule Engine could be a transformative step. Its intuitive design and rapid development capabilities offer a practical, efficient solution in the evolving landscape of automated decision-making. Dive into the world of Nected and experience the power of a modern rule engine at your fingertips.

Microsoft vs Nected FAQs:

Q1: What types of objects does the Microsoft Rules Engine support natively?

The rule engine supports .NET objects natively. For handling data from a database, ADO.NET objects can be used directly, and the engine provides helper classes for simplifying database data usage in rules.

Q2: How does the Microsoft Rules Engine handle rule priorities in conflict resolution?

The default conflict resolution scheme is based on rule priorities within a policy. Rules with higher priorities execute first, providing a configurable mechanism for defining execution order.

Q3: Is coding expertise required to use Nected's Rule Engine?

No, Nected's Rule Engine adopts a no-code, low-code approach, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. The platform provides user-friendly interfaces for rule creation.

Q4: Can Nected's Rule Engine integrate with external databases and APIs?

Yes, Nected's Rule Engine offers seamless integration with databases and APIs. It provides a variety of connectors, including popular ones like Zoho API, enabling dynamic, data-driven decision-making.

Q5: How does performance compare between Nected and Microsoft Rules Engine when handling large datasets?

Nected's Rule Engine is designed for efficient handling of large datasets with its no-code approach, offering seamless integration and dynamic interaction with databases. In contrast, Microsoft Rules Engine's performance can vary based on the data binding method used and may require more consideration for optimizing performance with large datasets.

Q6: What are the key differences in the user interface between Nected and Microsoft Rules Engine?

Nected's Rule Engine features a user-friendly interface with no-code, low-code elements like tokenized JSON and simple JavaScript editors, making it accessible for non-technical users. Microsoft Rules Engine, on the other hand, has a more sophisticated interface that might be better suited for users with a deeper understanding of rule-based systems and coding.

Q7: Can both rule engines handle complex logical operations effectively?

‍Nected's Rule Engine allows for complex logical operations using a variety of rule types such as SimpleRule and DecisionTable, which can handle intricate scenarios with ease. Microsoft Rules Engine is optimized for logical AND operators, but using many OR operators in conditions can lead to longer processing times, which might require careful structuring of the rules for optimal performance.