State-Based DB Server

We need to create a simple windows service that will operate 24x7 by polling a database table with the current states and calculating when to switch to the next state using conditional logic. we like to define a set of states via XML and virtual ports,i.e. inputs and outputs of such state. for instance, if the current state is 1 (CS1) and virtual input 1 (VI1) is set to true, then goto CS2. Then CS2 will have a list of actions to execute. This actions for now may just set some virtual outputs and/or run an executable, or invoke a web service via URL, and pass along some basic variables. So the service will write to the tables to set the virtual inputs accordingly, and outside software will read the tables predefined virtual outputs. these may change when a state switches to the next. this service should be modeled after hardware state machines. only bid if you understand how hardware state machines work. this software will run as a window service, coded preferably in Delphi. please feel free to make suggestions for other languages/platforms.