External service provision in telecommunications networks using open interfaces

The strict service provision model used in telecommunications is following new technological trends. The service provision architectures and the services characteristics of the Next Generation Networks are altered. Telecommunications networks can become open, allowing third parties to use their resources. This creates the prospect for the rapid and flexible provision of highly personalized services. Moreover, the business model is expanded, allowing members of the Information Technology society to enter into the telecommunication market. Considering the state of the art in the service provision architectures and the specifications of standardized open interfaces; we describe how existing telecommunication infrastructure can open its functionality to third party vendors in a secure and unified way. In addition, we propose an architectural object model for the implementation of advanced applications by external parties. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.