Multiple identical providers can service a message.

How can incoming messages be shared among the providers?

• Can use message queue with competing consumers - most efficient as consumers work at optimal load
• Message queue does not always work.
• May need to send related messages to the same participant (stickiness).
• Providers should not know about each other.

The initiator makes outbound requests to a Load Balancer, which distributes messages across the providers.

The Load Balancer conversation involves the following participants:

• The Initiator initiates the conversation by sending a message to the Load Balancer.
• The Load Balancer listens for messages and forwards them to the Providers. The Provider may be unaware of the Load Balancer.
• The Providers may share information with the Load Balancer to optimize with the distribution of messages.

Load Balancer can receive Heartbeat from Providers

Example: Load Balancer