
distinct tasks, then an error in the processing of either task can result in one of
three possible outcomes.
1. The money was transferred successfully.
2. The money was withdrawn from the first account but did not get depos
-
ited into the second account.
3. The money was withdrawn from the first account but the money was
returned when the error occurred.
Outcomes 1 and 3 are perfectly acceptable options; in these cases, no money
is lost. But there is no satisfactory resolution to Outcome 2 — the money may
be left with no place to go.
If the fund transfer were defined as a transaction, Outcome 2 would not
only be unacceptable, it would be impossible.