The reauties of service creation on switching systems through attached processors

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to implementing new services via an advanced attached processor interface to a switching system, considering the needs of both Telecommunications Serv- ice Providers and switching system vendors. This interface provides a level of switching system access and control that meets many of today's needs, while taking into account the realities of the real-time nature of switch processing. First, the needs for service creation capability by other than the switching system vendor are described, Then the strategic direction of using an interface between a switching system and an attached processor to implement new services is presented. We identify the dimensions of attached processor service capabilities using service examples and the characteristics and tradeoffs for points along these dimensions. We conclude with a recommendation that the most attractive alternative is an interface that yields significant service creation capabilities without extensive coupling to the switching system.