Differences between features and capabilities of Kie-Server and Business-Central in BPM Suite 6

Issue

• Why does Red Hat JBoss BPM Suite 6.3 come with 2 applications that expose REST api for executing processes and rules (kie server and business-central) ?

• In the business-central application, it is possible to send REST api request like this, in order to start new process.

http://localhost:8080/business-central/rest/runtime/com.sample:simple-process:LATEST/process/simple-process.TestProcess/start

Note that this url points to the business-central context path in it's URL. So, is it possible to use the same built-in REST api of the business-central in order to manage processes and rule execution?

• What is the kie-server used for and why users would need it if we they already have the business-central?
• Does the kie-server have the same REST api as the business-central? Will every business-central REST request will also work in the kie-server url?
• Is kie-server REST api url different from business-central REST api url?
• On the same production system, is it recommended for users to install kie-server only or is it mandatory to also install business-central?
• What are the differences in terms of performance when using kie-server comparing to business-central to run/execute processes?
• What is the recommendation for production usage among business-central and use kie-server applications?
• How can rule and BPMN2 process instance be monitored in kie-server? Which attributes can be monitored and how (in the business-central)?
• If the kie-server is not monitored then how can it be used in production and is it recommended to use it in production?