Controlling BPEL process flow at runtime

When using Oracle BPEL it is often desirable to allow a certain amount of configuration of the process flow at runtime. To allow configuration, properties/preferences/parameters can be used. These can be implemented in various ways. Lucas Jellema has described a method in the Oracle SOA Suite 11g Handbook (http://www.amazon.com/Oracle-SOA-Suite-Handbook-Press/dp/0071608974 page 252) for system parameters which uses Business Rules. In this blog post I compare three other methods; using Domain Value Maps, using BPEL preferences and using a database table. I look at performance, development, re-use potential, updating the preference at runtime and when to use which method.