A customization method for network management functions without modification of off-the-shelf components

The construction of systems for network management (NMS) is based on software components (hereunder referred to as "components"). Two types of component are used to build NMS: off-the-shelf components for general use, and customized components designed for a specific operator. However user requirements may also change after the user starts to use the NMS, and some components may be inadequate for these new requirements. In this paper, we propose components that enable functions provided by off-the-shelf components to be customized after NMS construction. We call these components RevCompo. RevCompo components intercept messages transmitted from or sent to an off-the-shelf component providing the functions to be customized. The RevCompo component in question then adds new data and/or procedures externally, or removes functions provided by the off-the-shelf component. Consequently, it is not necessary to change an off-the-shelf component in order to customize its function if RevCompo is installed. RevCompo makes it easier to satisfy user requirements when there are changes or modifications after the NMS construction stage.