a rule engine system works with physical systems monitored by internet - enabled endpoints on one hand and developer custom applications on the other . endpoints operate in both the domain specific language of the rule engine , and communicate with participating applications in the native protocols thereof . whether new or legacy , whether hardware , software , or firmware , whether having much , little , or no digital processing or communication capacity , the participating application may be monitored and controlled by an endpoint that communicates over the internet with the rule engine . individual developers prepare rule language files , containing data and instructions for the rule engine to implement through the end point . any apparatus , whether exclusively mechanical , electrical , electronic , highly sophisticated electronic , or some combination may be monitored and controlled . any participating application , from a mechanical lawn sprinkler to an internet commerce server may be implemented thus .